Foundational African Writers

This collection of essays celebrates the centenaries of Peter Abrahams, Noni Jabavu, Sibusiso Cyril Lincoln Nyembezi, and Eskia Mphahlele, all born in 1919. The essays explore their diverse writings and cultural contributions, covering topics such as precolonial existence, colonialism, empire, race, language, tradition, gender, modernity, exile, Pan-Africanism, and decolonization. They highlight the ongoing relevance of their legacies and the significance of their work in shaping modern African and diasporic black arts and letters. The collection encourages interdisciplinary engagement with decolonization and offers new scholarship opportunities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2022
Publisher: Wits University Press

The essays in this remarkable collection were crafted in celebration of the remarkable centenaries of four visionary writers, all of whom were born in 1919. Peter Abrahams, Noni Jabavu, Sibusiso Cyril Lincoln Nyembezi, and Eskia Mphahlele, have left an indelible mark on the world of literature and culture with their prolific and diverse body of work. Spanning over half a century, their literary contributions have encompassed a wide range of genres, including criticism, editorials, essays, fiction, journalism, life writing, and orature.

These foundational writers have not only enriched our understanding of the past but also offered profound insights into the complexities of contemporary society. Their essays delve into a myriad of topics, from the intricacies of precolonial existence to the enduring legacies of colonialism, empire, race, and the language question. They explore the profound impact of tradition, gender, modernity, exile, and Pan-Africanism on African and diasporic black communities.

A number of political and thematic threads run throughout the essays, highlighting the significance of the 'colour line,' the role of education and cultural practices in navigating colonial modernity, the pervasive effects of state racism, and the power of print culture in shaping African and diasporic black identities. These essays engage with established debates and provoke new perspectives, challenging us to reimagine the contours of African and diasporic black arts and letters.

Foundational African Writers delves into the enduring legacies of these four visionary writers, exploring how their work continues to resonate in the present and how it shapes the genealogies and institutions of modern African and diasporic black arts and letters. By studying their works, we are invited to revisit established narratives and explore new avenues for interdisciplinary engagement with the urgent imperatives of decolonisation. This collection opens up fresh trajectories for future scholarship, ensuring that the rich tapestry of African and diasporic black cultural heritage will be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Weight: 802g
Dimension: 169 x 241 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781776147519