Keywords

review, humanism, Africa

Abstract

“A truly illuminating exploration of Africa,” suggests Wole Soyinka in the preface of his new book, Of Africa, “has yet to take place.” Soyinka is not writing here of a physical exploration, of course, but of a humanistic or spiritual one. This, at the root, is what the eight essays that comprise Of Africa urge readers to consider: ways in which Africa can lead the world forward into “a deeply craved Age of Universal Understanding.” In Soyinka’s estimation Africa today is very nearly as misapprehended and undervalued by the world at large as ever it was in the past. But if the “beholder’s cataract” of past and present prejudice can be cured, then African humanism—often with deep roots in African religions—can point the way toward global harmonization.

Original Publication Citation

Eastley, Aaron. Review of "Of Africa", by Wole Soyinka. JALA: Journal of the African Literature Association 7.2 (2013): 189-193. Print.