" . . . groundbreaking . . . clear, straightforward, and economical. . . . seminal . . . " -American Anthropologist

"This is a challenging book . . . a remarkable contribution to African intellectual history." -International Journal of African Historical Studies

"Mudimbe's description of the struggles over Africa's self-invention are vivid and rewarding. From Blyden to Sartre, Temples to Senghor, Mudimbe provides a bold and versatile resume of Africa's literary inventors." -Village Voice Literary Supplement

" . . . a landmark achievement in African studies." -Journal of Religion in Africa

In this unique and provocative book, Zairean philosopher and writer V. Y. Mudimbe addresses the multiple scholarly discourses that exist-African and non-African-concerning the meaning of Africa and being African.