Milestones in African Literature offers an accessible guide to ten key moments in African literature. It traces literature in Africa through forms and genres, as well as social and political changes.
Toyin Falola embraces the richness of African literature, and considers the oral tradition, pre-colonial literature, apartheid, print media and digital literature, postcolonialism, and migration literature. He explores the realities of African people by drawing from and highlighting peoples’ convictions, spirituality, and pasts. The book reveals African literature’s capacity to convey cultural, social, and political messages through storytelling, while depicting the social structures and cultural norms that shape these experiences through the examination of perspectives and literary works of African authors.
Milestones in African Literature is the ideal resource for undergraduate and graduate students interested in African literatures. It will also be invaluable for teachers and researchers aiming to strengthen their knowledge.
Preface
Introduction
Social Experience, Commitment, and Essence
Chapter 1: Oral Literature
Chapter 2: The Written Text of the Pre-Colonial
Chapter 3: The Colonial Era
Chapter 4: Apartheid, Settler-Colonialism, and Southern Africa
Chapter 5: The Negritude Movement and African Rehabilitation
Chapter 6: Print Media and Popular Literature
Chapter 7: The Language Debate
Chapter 8: Postcolonial Realities
Chapter 9: Migration Literature
Chapter 10: The Digital Age
Conclusion: African Literature: Methodological Reflections and Pushing the Frontiers of Research
Index
Biography
Toyin Falola is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities and University Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of History at The University of Texas at Austin, USA. He is the recipient of many distinguished accolades and awards, including nineteen honorary doctorates.
