..". 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...