Surreptitious Speech – Presence Africaine and the Politics of Otherness 1947–1987

In "Surreptitious Speech – Presence Africaine and the Politics of Otherness 1947–1987," renowned scholar V. Y. Mudimbe provides an insightful exploration of the influential African studies journal, "Presence Africaine," established in Paris in 1947. Published by The University of Chicago Press in 1992, this significant work spans 490 pages and delves deep into the journal's critical role over four decades. Rather than presenting a simplistic celebration, Mudimbe offers a nuanced examination, engaging with the historical context and the complexities surrounding the journal's contribution to African literature and critique. This book is essential for those interested in African studies, literary criticism, and the politics of representation, revealing how "Presence Africaine" shaped perceptions of African identity and civilization. Discover the intricate dynamics of "Presence Africaine" through Mudimbe's vibrant analysis and embrace a pivotal chapter in the history of African intellectual thought.