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African Myths of Origin
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African Myths of Origin Paperback - 2006

by Stephen Belcher (Editor); Introduction by Stephen Belcher

A rich, unique anthology of retold fables from Africa

Gathering a wide range of traditional African myths, this compelling new collection offers tales of heroes battling mighty serpents and monstrous birds, brutal family conflict and vengeance, and desperate migrations across vast and alien lands. From accounts of the inventive wiles of animal-creators and a community forced to flee a giant crocodile to the heroic story of the cripple Sunjata who rose to found an empire, all the narratives here concern origins. They offer a kaleidoscopic picture representative of the rich cultures and societies of the African continent: the ways of life, the peoples from small hunting bands to great empires and the states that have taken shape over many generations and environments.


Summary

Gathering a wide range of traditional African myths, this compelling new collection offers tales of heroes battling mighty serpents and monstrous birds, brutal family conflict and vengeance, and desperate migrations across vast and alien lands. From accounts of the inventive wiles of animal-creators and a community forced to flee a giant crocodile to the heroic story of the cripple Sunjata who rose to found an empire, all the narratives here concern origins. They offer a kaleidoscopic picture representative of the rich cultures and societies of the African continent: the ways of life, the peoples—from small hunting bands to great empires—and the states that have taken shape over many generations and environments.

  • First time in Penguin Classics
  • Stories span the centuries and range across the entire continent, from ancient Egypt and Ethiopia through the Sahara to Zimbabwe
  • Includes individual prefaces to each section, putting the stories in their geographical and social context; maps; suggestions for further reading, and an index of people, places, and themes

From the publisher

Stephen Belcher was born in Cairo, Egypt and spent much of his childhood in Africa and Europe. He holds a doctorate from Brown University, has taught at Pennsylvania State University, and currently teaches at the University of Kankan in the Republic of Guinea.

Details

  • Title African Myths of Origin
  • Author Stephen Belcher (Editor); Introduction by Stephen Belcher
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition 1St Edition
  • Pages 544
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Group
  • Date 2006-06-27
  • Features Bibliography, Index, Price on Product - Canadian, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780140449457 / 0140449450
  • Weight 0.82 lbs (0.37 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.8 x 5.18 x 1.02 in (19.81 x 13.16 x 2.59 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Library of Congress subjects Mythology, African
  • Dewey Decimal Code 299.67

About the author

Stephen Belcher was born in Cairo, Egypt, and spent much of his childhood in Africa and Europe. He holds a doctorate in Comparative Literature from Brown University and has taught in the history department at Pennsylvania State University. He is the co-editor (with John W. Johnson and Thomas Hale) of Voices from a Vast Continent: Oral Epics from Africa, and the author of Epic Traditions of Africa. He is currently teaching at the University of Kankan in the Republic of Guinea.
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African Myths of Origin
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