Bøger af Jeff Opland

This much-awaited volume uncovers the long-lost pages of the major African multi-lingual newspaper, Abantu-Batho.

The Xhosa-speaking peoples of south-eastern South Africa have a long tradition of oral poetry, extending back at least two hundred years. This book, first published in 1983, was the first detailed study of that tradition. The book focuses in particular on the poetry produced by the imbongi.

Contains fourteen essays originally published between 1974 and 1996. Based on fieldwork conducted between 1969 and 1985, and on extensive archival research, the first six essays examine the social function of poetry in the community, the element of improvisation in the production of poetry. Individual poets are then presented.

This book chronicles the life, times and poetry of extraordinary Xhosa praise poet, the late David Yali-Manisi, and his growing friendship and fruitful working relationship with the author.