Book Description

The first anthology devoted to the oeuvres of Africa's first internationally recognized female writer. Emerging Perspectives on Flora Nwapa reflects the scope and diversity of Nwapa's poetics, as contributions by today's leading Africanist scholars -- Julie Agabasiere, Ifi Amadiume, Susan Arndt, Ada Azodo, Naana Banyiwa Horne, Brenda F. Berrian, Jane Bryce, Akachi Ezeigbo, Ezenwa-Ohaeto, Nina Mba, Sabine Jell-Bahlsen, Mary E. Modupe-Kolawole, Teresa U. Njoku, Chimalum Nwankwo, Molara Ogundipe-Leslie, Obododimma Oha, Tess Onwueme, Florence Stratton, and Gay Wilentz -- subject the creative corpus of the "Mother of African Women's Literature" to serious scrutiny. This book is a mine of critical and theoretical insights on the author's complete works, most of which are now available in the United States through Africa World Press and Heinemann Educational Books, and serves as an essential guide to the writer's gender-specific concerns. This remarkable collection concludes with a transcript of Flora Nwapa's 1992 interview with Marie Umeh, conducted during the author's last tour of the United States; a chronology of Nwapa's life, works, and distinguished awards; an exhibition of private photographs, courtesy of her son Uzoma Nwakuche and collegue Nina Mba; as well as a detailed bibliography of works by and about Flora Nwapa. Students and scholars of African literature, anthropology, history, law, medicine, philosophy, religion, sociology, psychology, and women's studies will find in this book a full and fitting tribute to the shrewd, ubiquitous market women, the energetic female farmers, the sagacious wives and mothers, and the astute women chiefs and priestesses who found their voice, theirvalidation, and their vindication in Nigeria's foremost female writer -- Flora Nwapa!