Irony And Illusion in the Architecture of Imperial Dakar

by Thomas M. Shaw

Shaw (art history, Kean U., New Jersey) traces the architectural transformation that occurred in Dakar, the capital of French West Africa and now the capital of Senegal, during the French colonial period. He describes a neo-Sudanic style that resulted from a conscious effort by the French to enhance their colonial authority in West Africa, represents one positive outcome of the forced encounters of European and African culture through French colonialism, and is surprisingly linked to a long history of African architectural traditions. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

139 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2006