Ranging from ancient cultures to the present century, from Africa's rich oral traditions to its comtemporary fiction, poetry, and drama, this long -awaited comprehensive anthology reflects the enduring themes of African literature.

The selections, drawn from the length and breadth of the continent, reveal the richness of African creativity. Readers will find myths and epics; works by such well-known figures as Chinua Achebe, Mariama Ba; Bessie Head, Tayeb Salih, Wole Soyinka, and Ngugi wa Thiong'o; and ficition and poetry by myriad new writers.

The pieces are organised chronologically within geographic region and enhanced by both introductory material and biographical notes on each writer. An author/title index and suggestions for further reading are also included.