. . . 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.