| Son-Jara: The Mande Epic: Mandekan/English Edition with Notes and Commentary Contributor(s): Johnson, John William (Author) |
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ISBN: 0253343372 ISBN-13: 9780253343376 Publisher: Indiana University Press OUR PRICE: $49.45 Product Type: Hardcover Published: October 2003 Annotation: The epic of Son-Jara (also known as Sunjata or Sundiata) celebrates the exploits of the legendary founder of the Empire of Old Mali and is still widely recited among Mandekan-speaking peoples of West Africa today. As performed by griots, or professional bards, it embodies deeply rooted aspects of Mande cosmology and worldview. This edition of the epic presents the full, linear Mandekan texl side by side with John William Johnson's importantEnglish translation. Fully annotated and explained, the text provides historical and contextual frameworks for understanding this African epic. A complete recitation of the epic by Jeli fa-Digi Sisoka recorded in the town of Kita, Mali, is sold separately. This powerful text and inspiring performance show why the epic of Son-Jara has taken its place among the world's greatest epics. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Folklore & Mythology - Literary Criticism | African - History | Africa - General |
| Dewey: 896.34 |
| LCCN: 2003006698 |
| Series: African Epic |
| Physical Information: 1.13" H x 6.28" W x 9.68" (1.39 lbs) 331 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - African |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The epic of Son-Jara (also known as Sunjata or Sundiata) celebrates the exploits of the legendary founder of the Empire of Old Mali and is still widely recited among Mandekan-speaking peoples of West Africa today. As performed by griots, or professional bards, it embodies deeply rooted aspects of Mande cosmology and worldview. This edition of the epic presents the full, linear Mandekan text side by side with John William Johnson's important English translation. Fully annotated and explained, the text provides historical and contextual frameworks for understanding this African epic. A complete recitation of the epic by Jeli fa-Digi Sis k recorded in the town of Kita, Mali, is sold separately. This powerful text and inspiring performance show why the epic of Son-Jara has taken its place among the world's greatest epics. |