Novel
Ethiopia Unbound
J. E. Casely Hayford · 1911
Synopsis
Kwamankra, an African from the Gold Coast, leaves for London to become a barrister there, like the author. His philosophical discussions with his English friend Whitely, his knowledge of African history and of the events of his time and his bond with Mansa lead him to defend the complete independence of his country and his people. The narrative, partly autobiographical, is divided between Africa and England and pleads for a united African nation.
Context
Published in London in 1911 by C. M. Philips, the book is regarded as the first work of Pan-Africanist fiction. Edward Wilmot Blyden wrote that it had given him more joy and encouragement than anything he had read for years, and the Journal of the African Society praised its freshness and simplicity. It was reissued in 1969 by Frank Cass, with an introduction by F. Nnabuenyi Ugonna, then in 2010 for its centenary, edited by Molefi Kete Asante.
Who it is for
For reading one of the founding texts of Pan-Africanism, in the form of a novel of ideas, among the first from Africa in English.
Prizes and reception
The Pittsburgh Courier hailed it as a remarkable book, and Blyden as a source of joy.
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The pages consulted to check this page.