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The ASC Library, Documentation and Information Department has
compiled a dossier on Africa's 100 Best Books of the 20th Century
project. It consists of an introduction, the top twelve list, the top
hundred list, and a selection of Web resources. All the titles listed in
the top hundred list that are available in the ASC library are linked to
the library catalogue.
For information about this dossier and the availability of titles, email
us at: asclibrary@ascleiden.nl or phone: +31 (0)71 527 3354.
Introduction
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| Ali Mazrui
AFRICA'S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 20TH
CENTURY project was first suggested at the 1998 Zimbabwe
International Book Fair in Harare. Ali Mazrui came up with the
idea of a list of Africa's 100 best books in order to direct
the world's attention on the achievements of African writers who
have had their work published during the 20th century.
A jury, chaired by Njabule Ndebele, considered over 500
nominations from the original list of 1,521 nominations proposed
by individuals and institutions all over the world. The
nominations were subjected to rigorous criteria which included,
inter alia, an assessment of quality, the ability to provide new
information or insight, a continuing contribution to debate, and
the extent to which a book broke down boundaries. The final list
had to reflect a balance of regional representation, gender,
historical spread and genres of writing.
The top 100 list was launched in Accra, Ghana, on February 18, 2002
and the Awards Presentation Gala took place in Cape Town on 28 July.
The 2002 Zimbabwe International Book Fair (30 July-3 August) was devoted
to the Best Book project. Its theme was the impact of African writing on
world literature.
Having selected the top 100 list, the jury then choose the best
twelve African books of the twentieth century. The books - in African
and European languages or in Arabic - were divided into three
categories: children's writing, non-fiction/academic
writing and creative writing.
Many of the books are in the ASC library, but children books and work
in African languages or Arabic do not meet the criteria of collection
development and are unfortunately not available. In some cases, a title
is available in translation.
This dossier consists of
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 Ali Mazrui |
Printable version