Margaret Laurence’s “Exploring the African Writers Series: A Comprehensive Checklist of English-Language Works (1972)” is a valuable resource for anyone interested in African literature. This article provides a brief introduction to Laurence’s work, which includes a detailed list of all the books published by the African Writers Series up until 1972. The African Writers Series was a groundbreaking initiative that aimed to promote African literature and provide a platform for African writers. Laurence’s checklist is an important tool for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of African literature.
Background Information
The African Writers Series was established in 1962 by Heinemann Educational Books as a means of promoting African literature and providing a platform for African writers to showcase their work. The series was initially edited by Chinua Achebe, a renowned Nigerian author, and has since published over 300 titles by African writers. The series has been instrumental in bringing African literature to a global audience and has played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of Africa. Margaret Laurence’s “Exploring the African Writers Series: A Comprehensive Checklist of English-Language Works” is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of African literature, providing a comprehensive list of all the titles published in the series up to 1972.
The African Writers Series
The African Writers Series was a groundbreaking initiative that aimed to showcase the literary talents of African writers. Launched in 1962 by Heinemann Educational Books, the series published over 250 works of fiction, poetry, and drama by African authors. The series played a significant role in promoting African literature and providing a platform for African writers to share their stories with the world. Margaret Laurence’s comprehensive checklist of English-language works published in 1972 provides a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in exploring the African Writers Series. The checklist includes detailed information about each work, including the author’s name, title, date of publication, and a brief summary of the plot. It also includes a list of critical works about the African Writers Series, making it an essential reference for anyone interested in African literature.
Overview of the Checklist
The “Exploring the African Writers Series: A Comprehensive Checklist of English-Language Works (1972)” by Margaret Laurence is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of African literature. The checklist includes all the English-language works published under the African Writers Series imprint up to 1972. The African Writers Series was established in 1962 by Heinemann Educational Books to promote African literature and provide a platform for African writers to showcase their work. The series published works by some of the most prominent African writers of the time, including Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and Wole Soyinka. The checklist is organized alphabetically by author and includes information such as the title, date of publication, and ISBN number. It also includes a brief biography of each author and a list of their works published under the African Writers Series imprint. The checklist is an essential tool for anyone interested in African literature and provides a comprehensive overview of the African Writers Series.
Works by Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe is one of the most prominent African writers of the 20th century. His works have been widely read and studied, and have had a significant impact on African literature and culture. Achebe’s most famous work is probably Things Fall Apart, which was published in 1958 and has since become a classic of African literature. The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected leader in an Igbo village in Nigeria, and his struggles to maintain his traditional way of life in the face of colonialism and Christianity. Achebe’s other works include No Longer at Ease, Arrow of God, and A Man of the People. He was also a prolific essayist and critic, and his non-fiction works include Hopes and Impediments and The Education of a British-Protected Child. Achebe’s writing is known for its powerful storytelling, its exploration of African identity and culture, and its critique of colonialism and its effects on African societies.
Works by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is a Kenyan writer who has made significant contributions to African literature. He has written numerous works, including novels, plays, and essays, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. Some of his most notable works include “Weep Not, Child,” “Petals of Blood,” and “Wizard of the Crow.”
“Weep Not, Child” is Ngũgĩ’s first novel, published in 1964. It tells the story of a young boy named Njoroge who dreams of getting an education but is hindered by the political and social unrest in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising. “Petals of Blood,” published in 1977, is a political thriller that explores the corruption and exploitation of post-colonial Kenya. “Wizard of the Crow,” published in 2006, is a satirical novel that critiques the political and social systems of post-colonial Africa.
In addition to his novels, Ngũgĩ has also written plays, including “I Will Marry When I Want” and “The Trial of Dedan Kimathi.” These plays address issues such as land ownership, political corruption, and the struggle for independence in Kenya.
Ngũgĩ is also known for his essays and non-fiction works, including “Decolonising the Mind” and “Barrel of a Pen.” These works explore the importance of language and literature in shaping cultural identity and resisting colonialism.
Overall, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s works have had a significant impact on African literature and continue to be studied and celebrated today.
Works by Wole Soyinka
Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist who has made significant contributions to African literature. He was the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. Soyinka’s works often explore themes of political corruption, cultural identity, and the clash between traditional and modern values. Some of his notable works include “The Lion and the Jewel,” “Death and the King’s Horseman,” and “Ake: The Years of Childhood.” Soyinka’s writing is known for its lyrical language and powerful imagery, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated around the world.
Works by Buchi Emecheta
Buchi Emecheta was a Nigerian author who wrote extensively about the experiences of African women. Her works often explored themes of gender, race, and identity, and were celebrated for their honest and nuanced portrayals of African life. Some of her most notable works include “The Joys of Motherhood,” “Second-Class Citizen,” and “The Bride Price.” Emecheta’s writing was a powerful force in the African literary scene, and her works continue to be read and studied today.
Works by Ayi Kwei Armah
Ayi Kwei Armah is a Ghanaian writer who has contributed immensely to African literature. His works are known for their strong political and social commentary, as well as their exploration of African identity and culture. Some of his notable works include “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born,” “Two Thousand Seasons,” and “The Healers.” In “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born,” Armah critiques the corruption and moral decay in post-colonial Ghana. “Two Thousand Seasons” is a historical novel that explores the impact of European colonialism on Africa. “The Healers” is a novel that delves into the spiritual and cultural practices of African societies. Armah’s works have been widely translated and have received critical acclaim both in Africa and internationally.
Works by Nadine Gordimer
Nadine Gordimer was a South African writer and political activist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1991. Her works often dealt with the themes of apartheid, racial inequality, and social injustice. Gordimer’s first novel, “The Lying Days,” was published in 1953 and was followed by numerous other novels, short stories, and essays. Some of her most notable works include “Burger’s Daughter,” “July’s People,” and “The Conservationist.” Gordimer’s writing was praised for its powerful social commentary and its ability to capture the complexities of life in South Africa during apartheid. Her works continue to be studied and celebrated today as important contributions to African literature and the fight for social justice.
Works by Dennis Brutus
Dennis Brutus was a South African poet and activist who was known for his anti-apartheid activism. His works often dealt with themes of social justice and political oppression. Some of his most notable works include “Sirens, Knuckles and Boots,” “Letters to Martha and Other Poems from a South African Prison,” and “A Simple Lust.” Brutus was also a founding member of the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee and played a key role in the country’s isolation from international sports during the apartheid era. His works continue to inspire and educate readers about the struggles faced by black South Africans during this time.
Works by Mongo Beti
Mongo Beti was a Cameroonian writer who was known for his critical and satirical works that tackled issues of colonialism, corruption, and social injustice. His works were published in the African Writers Series, a collection of English-language works by African writers that aimed to promote African literature and culture.
One of Beti’s most famous works is “The Poor Christ of Bomba,” which tells the story of a young boy who is sent to a Catholic mission school in colonial Cameroon. The novel exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of the colonial system and the complicity of the Catholic Church in perpetuating it.
Another notable work by Beti is “Mission to Kala,” which follows the journey of a young man from a rural village to the city of Douala in search of work. The novel explores the clash between traditional African values and the modernizing forces of colonialism and capitalism.
Beti’s works were praised for their sharp wit, incisive social commentary, and vivid portrayal of African life and culture. They continue to be studied and celebrated today as important contributions to African literature and the struggle for decolonization and social justice.
Works by Bessie Head
Bessie Head was a prolific writer who produced several works during her lifetime. Her works are known for their exploration of themes such as identity, race, and gender. Some of her notable works include “When Rain Clouds Gather,” “Maru,” and “A Question of Power.” These works have been widely read and studied, and have contributed to the discourse on African literature. Head’s writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery and powerful storytelling, which have made her a beloved figure in the literary world. Her works continue to inspire and challenge readers today.
Works by Steve Biko
Steve Biko was a South African anti-apartheid activist and writer who played a significant role in the Black Consciousness Movement. His works, which include essays, speeches, and letters, are considered some of the most influential pieces of literature in the struggle against apartheid. Biko’s most famous work, “I Write What I Like,” is a collection of his writings and speeches that articulate the philosophy of Black Consciousness. In this book, Biko argues that black people must reject the idea of assimilation and instead embrace their own culture and identity. Biko’s other works include “Black Souls in White Skins,” “The Definition of Black Consciousness,” and “We Blacks.” Despite his untimely death in police custody in 1977, Biko’s legacy lives on through his writings and the continued fight for racial equality in South Africa.
Works by James Ngugi
James Ngugi, also known as Ngugi wa Thiong’o, is a Kenyan writer who has made significant contributions to African literature. His works often explore themes of colonialism, nationalism, and the struggles of ordinary people in post-colonial Africa.
One of his most famous works is “Weep Not, Child,” which was published in 1964 and was one of the first English-language novels to be written by an East African. The novel tells the story of a young boy named Njoroge who dreams of getting an education but is forced to confront the harsh realities of colonialism and racism in Kenya.
Ngugi’s other notable works include “A Grain of Wheat,” “Petals of Blood,” and “Wizard of the Crow.” In “A Grain of Wheat,” Ngugi explores the aftermath of Kenya’s struggle for independence and the challenges faced by ordinary people as they try to rebuild their lives. “Petals of Blood” is a scathing critique of post-colonial African governments and their failure to address the needs of their citizens. “Wizard of the Crow” is a satirical novel that takes aim at the corruption and authoritarianism that is all too common in African politics.
Overall, Ngugi’s works are an important contribution to African literature and provide valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people in post-colonial Africa.
Works by Tayeb Salih
Tayeb Salih is a Sudanese writer whose works have been widely recognized for their exploration of the complexities of identity and culture in postcolonial Africa. His most famous novel, Season of Migration to the North, was published in 1966 and has since become a classic of African literature. The novel tells the story of a Sudanese man who returns to his homeland after studying in Europe and becomes embroiled in a series of tragic events. Salih’s other works include The Wedding of Zein, a collection of short stories set in rural Sudan, and A Handful of Dates, a novella about a young boy’s coming of age in a traditional Sudanese village. Salih’s writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions of Sudanese life and its exploration of the tensions between tradition and modernity.
Works by Amos Tutuola
Amos Tutuola was a Nigerian author who gained international recognition for his unique style of storytelling. His works often drew from Yoruba folklore and mythology, and were written in a distinctive pidgin English. Tutuola’s first novel, “The Palm-Wine Drinkard,” was published in 1952 and became a bestseller. He went on to write several other novels, including “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts” and “The Brave African Huntress.” Tutuola’s works were praised for their imaginative and surreal qualities, and he was considered a pioneer of African literature. Despite facing criticism for his use of pidgin English, Tutuola’s works continue to be celebrated for their originality and cultural significance.
Works by Ama Ata Aidoo
Ama Ata Aidoo is a Ghanaian author and playwright who has made significant contributions to African literature. Her works often explore themes of gender, identity, and cultural clashes. Some of her notable works include “Changes: A Love Story,” “Our Sister Killjoy,” and “The Dilemma of a Ghost.” “Changes: A Love Story” tells the story of a woman named Esi who leaves her husband for a successful career, only to find herself in a complicated love triangle. “Our Sister Killjoy” is a novel that follows a young Ghanaian woman as she travels through Europe and experiences racism and cultural alienation. “The Dilemma of a Ghost” is a play that explores the tensions between African and Western cultures through the story of a Ghanaian man who returns home with his African American wife. Aidoo’s works have been praised for their insightful commentary on African society and their powerful portrayal of women’s experiences.
Works by Christopher Okigbo
Christopher Okigbo was a Nigerian poet and writer who is widely regarded as one of the most important African poets of the 20th century. His works often explored themes of African identity, spirituality, and the struggle for independence. Some of his most notable works include “Heavensgate,” “Limits,” and “Labyrinths.” Okigbo’s poetry was known for its complex imagery and use of traditional African symbolism, as well as its incorporation of Western literary techniques. His untimely death during the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 cut short a promising career, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence writers across the continent.
Works by Okot p’Bitek
Okot p’Bitek was a Ugandan poet, novelist, and social critic who is best known for his works that explore the complexities of African culture and identity. His most famous work, Song of Lawino, was published in 1966 and is considered a masterpiece of African literature. The poem is written in Acholi, p’Bitek’s native language, and tells the story of a woman named Lawino who laments the loss of traditional African values and customs in the face of Western influence. The poem is a powerful critique of colonialism and its impact on African societies. p’Bitek’s other works include Song of Ocol, a response to Song of Lawino from the perspective of a modern, Western-educated African, and White Teeth, a novel that explores the tensions between African and European cultures in colonial Uganda. p’Bitek’s works continue to be widely read and studied today, and his legacy as a pioneering African writer and cultural critic remains strong.