Poems from East Africa

by David Cook (Editor), David Rubadiri (Editor)

The spirit of the poetic flowering of the 1960s is encapsulated in this comprehensive anthology. The collection gives voice to some fifty poets from Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, writing in English. The diversity of the interests and styles of the individual poets is a blend of the gentle lyricism that is a feature of East African writing. All the major poets are included, and many not so well known. Amongst the best known are Jared Angira, Jonathan Kariara, Joseph Kariuki, Taban Lo Liyong, Okot p'Bitek, and David Rubadiri - one of the editors.

Genres: Poetry, Africa

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

David Cook was a British literary critic and editor.
He earned a degree in English literature from the University of London and a MA in 1956. He taught at the University of Southampton and was a lecturer at Makerere University and was an important figure for the literature in East Africa.

Reviews

[Murimi Kinyua · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very relevant for high school students as well as aspiring and continuing students of Literature. The poets in this anthology have contextualised the Eastern African post-idependence situation economically, socially and politically immensely.It is worth your time☺

[Tyler Bouman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found a lot of the poetry subpar and the editing very poor.

3 stars because I recognize the disconnect from my experiences and the culture and lived experiences of the authors. There were a few gems buried in this collection as well.

[Pesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My High School companion. What could have taken so long to add it?

[Hannah Waeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this anthology in high school as a set book. I still retain a copy and scheme through it every so often.

[Obby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first anothology of poetry I ever read. I still reread at times.

[Sheri Fresonke Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offers an excellent selection of poets and poems. Many feature political issues and day to day life in Africa as well as the writers connection to place, emotion and events.

[Sara G]

A really solid intro collection.