Here is a book that takes you to the pre colonial era of sea voyagers and adventures that stumbled upon a Africa. The Discoverers reader is taken on a journey that explores pre-colonial trade relations with European traders and African kings in the 15th century. A time when it was every explorers dream to reach the Southern most tip of Africa.
Paul King is well known for publishing pre-colonial voyager literature, with books such as the Dreamers and the Voyagers. The Discoverers was published in 1994 and gives an enlightening historical account of the life of voyagers that sailed across the seven seas hoping to find new worlds accompanied by the promise of riches and adventure. The genre has had an everlasting phenomenon on African culture with other Authors such as Joseph Conrad reaching critical acclaim for their work in books such as the Heart of Darkness and Victory. The literature has directed the African continents historical path, and an interesting fact about the book is that it highlights the how legitimate traders fell into the trap of acquiring quick riches through the slave trade.
The book is centered around the crusades, in 1453 when Constantinople fell to the forces of Mohammed II. The defeated Christians characters embark on individual voyages. Some motivated by honor, greed, revenge and glory. The literature is informative yet provocative in its description of pre-colonial African culture. With some of the characters admiring the exotic and rich culture of African people, while other characters see Africans nothing but godless savages and heathens who have created nothing of any historical value.
The literature is undoubtedly influenced by the likes of Conrad, however there are certain elements in the book that are very informative as the reader is taken on a journey of discovery through the eyes of the explorer.
Ayanda Mdluli
Independent Newspapers, 31 March 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment