Towards an African Literature: The Emergence of Literary Form in Xhosa

Towards an African Literature: The Emergence of Literary Form in Xhosa is a significant work that critiques Euro-American scholarship and provides a model for literary criticism rooted in African contexts. It situates Xhosa literature within the history of colonial conquest, resistance, and cultural transformation, highlighting figures such as W. W. Gqoba, Jonas Ntsiko, and "Uhadi" who resisted dispossession. Jordan's analysis illuminates how colonial pressures produced alienation but also gave rise to a literature of defiance and survival. The book remains a foundational call for African scholars to shape the interpretation of their own literary traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Towards an African Literature: The Emergence of Literary Form in Xhosa is a groundbreaking work that challenges Euro-American scholarship and provides a comprehensive model for literary criticism rooted in African contexts. Originally published as essays in the 1950s in *Africa South*, A. C. Jordans book situates Xhosa literature within the broader history of colonial conquest, resistance, and cultural transformation. Jordans analysis emphasizes the dialectical relationship between literature and society, where authors serve as witnesses to their epoch and mouthpieces of their peoples hopes and struggles. He highlights figures such as W. W. Gqoba, Jonas Ntsiko, and "Uhadi," who resisted dispossession, while contrasting them with the more assimilationist outlook of Tiyo Soga, a prolific Xhosa essayist who advocated acceptance of colonial society. By weaving together historical context, literary form, and ideological stance, Jordans book illuminates how colonial pressures produced alienation but also gave rise to a literature of defiance and survival. Although unfinished at the time of his death in 1968, the book remains a foundational call for African scholars to shape the interpretation of their own literary traditions. For readers and researchers alike, Towards an African Literature offers a profound framework for understanding African literature as a vital cultural expression forged in the crucible of historical change. This title is part of UC Presss Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Presss mission.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 203 x 127 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520359031