Aimé Césaire
Aimé Césaire is the best known poet in the French Caribbean. In this study Gregson Davis examines Césaire's extraordinary dual career as writer and elected politician. As one of the most profound critics of colonialism, Césaire, the acknowledged inventor of the famous term "negritude", has been a hugely influential figure in shaping the contemporary discourse on the postcolonial predicament. Gregson Davis' account of Césaire's intellectual growth is grounded in a careful reading of the poetry, prose and drama that illustrates the full range and depth of his literary achievement.
- Comprehensive examination of Césaire's literary and political career
- Looks at Césaire's life and work up until 1993, the date of his official retirement from politics
- Author is also from Antigua and a leading classicist with a named chair at Duke University
Reviews & endorsements
"Highly recommended for collections supporting advanced studies of Francophone or Caribbean literature." R. Ocasio, Choice
"Aimé Céaire offers a quick review of the scholarship and interpretations of the works and then makes its own original synthesis or reading, taking advantage of the most recent developments. It can serve as a perfect introduction to this major poet and father of `Negritude' and should be in all libraries." Hal Wylie, World Literature Today
Product details
January 2008Paperback
9780521055420
228 pages
215 × 139 × 13 mm
0.305kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Chronology
- Introduction
- 1. From island to metropolis: the making of a poet
- 2. Exploring racial selves: 'Journal of a homecoming'
- 3. Inventing a lyric voice: the forging of 'Miracle Weapons'
- 4. Lyric registers: from 'Sun Cut Throat' to 'Cadaster'
- 5. The turn to poetic drama
- 6. The return to lyric: 'me, laminaria …'
- Epilogue
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index.
