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Sunjata: A New Prose Version

A New Prose Version
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Sunjata: A New Prose Version retells the epic of Sunjata, the legendary founder of the Mali Empire, preserving the rich oral tradition and performance style of the original griot storytellers. This prose translation brings to life the vibrant culture, history, and mythologies of the Mande people, offering readers a powerful narrative that connects past and present.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for students and scholars of African history and literature, enthusiasts of epic tales and oral traditions, and readers interested in world literature and cultural heritage.

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David Conrad's new prose translation of the Sunjata epic highlights the narrative aspect of the epicwhile conveying the essential performative quality of his 2004 verse translation. A revised Introduction, a glossary of Maninka terms, a guide to major characters, and maps provide further assistance tofirst-time readers of the epic.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

"After existing orally for hundreds of years, Sunjata was written down in the 20th century. David Conrad, who recorded a new version of the epic, has now crafted a prose translation that preserves the oral flavour of live performance. The result is a captivating work of literature that will finally give the story of Sunjata its well-deserved place among the great epics of world literature."

- Martin Puchner, Byron and Anita Wien Professor of Drama and of English and Comparative Literature, Harvard University

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

"Conrad's translation is clearer and more accessible than earlier versions, with extremely useful notes and maps that deepen understanding. The work captures the powerful griot voice, blending history, poetry, and genealogy to invite readers into a rich past with possibilities for a greater future." — Toyin Falola, University of Texas Austin

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781624664946

Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 June 2016

Country: United States

Imprint: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

Illustration: Illustrations

Contributors:

  • Edited and translated by David Conrad

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 226g

Pages: 192

About the Author

David C. Conrad is Professor of History at the State University of New York, Oswego, and President of the Mande Studies Association.

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