sign in • sign up
web | myLot | discussions | tasks | blogs | news | photos
homeinterestsdiscussionstasksblogsnewsmessages friendsphotosearningsmyLotquizzes

Sundiata - BLack Africa's equal to the King Author Story? email this discussion to a friend?

myLot reputation of 76/100. SteveSlaton (182)   ranked 904 out of 10,259 in reading6 months ago

Sundiata - An Epic of Old Mali, by D.T. Niane, Translated from French to English by G.D. Pickett.

'Griots' were appointed by African kings as counselors and were essentially walking books, passing down history and law generation to generation.

By the 1960s griots were considered entertainers and through interviews by the author, the verbal history became written.

This work dispels the myths that all African tribes were primitive barbarians. It reveals royal families, a class system including slave holding, and the griots believe their history places Black Africans as equals to Europeans in being "civilized."

It is a valuable work for understanding how people's thinking today is affected by beliefs about the past. This work mostly reads like a historical novel.

 
 
reading
sponsors
Do You Have Coffee Teeth?
An Underpaid, Overworked Single Mom Reveals $4 Teeth Whitening Secret.
News13KDTV.com

United Kingdom Passport Service in US
Urgent Experts Handling, On time solutions. Call us for instructions.
www.passportdocs.com

600 Washington
Read reviews for this business with directions, offers and more
Newyork.Citysearch.com

User has not selected a best response.
tags:  sundiata, african history, history, book, mali empkr
 
1. myLot reputation of 92/100. emmanola (210)   6 months ago

I learnt about Sundiata in history class when I was in high school. I opted for science courses later and that was the end of my study of history. I must confess, however, that the little I learnt about Sundiata, Mansa Musa, etc helped me to better appreciate Africa, my continent.

Well, maybe I may pick up the book you recommended if I find it at any bookstore.


myLot reputation of 76/100. SteveSlaton (182)   ranked 904 out of 10,259 in reading  6 months ago

Emmanola,

I just searched my favorite used books site:

http://www.abebooks.com

It is available in English and French. Here in the USA, English prices start at $1 plus shipping. In French prices start at $7.75.

If you have not created an account, do so, and their system is supposed to be smart enough to figure your shipping costs correctly.

The French title is:

Soundjata ou l'épopée mandingue.

I hope you enjoy the read. It would also be interesting how this book compares to what you were taught.

I invited you to be a my Lot friend. Your page says U.K.

Just curious, where were you born, then where did you grow up, and where do you live these days?

My answer to these questions is Fort Collins, CO, USA.

Steve Slaton

Do You Have Coffee Teeth? An Underpaid, Overworked Single Mom Reveals $4 Teeth Whitening Secret. News13KDTV.com
 
sponsors
Washington Car Title History at Carfax
Don't spend $1,000s on a lemon - Get CARFAX Vehicle History Reports.
www.Carfax.com

Bose
Read reviews for this business wit directions, offers and more
Washingtondc.Citysearch.com

Residence Inn Dupont Circle in D.C
Official Site: Marriott RI Dupont Circle. Book Now& Save.
www.Marriott.com/wasri

sponsors
Washington Car Title History at Carfax
Don't spend $1,000s on a lemon - Get CARFAX Vehicle History Reports.
www.Carfax.com
Bose
Read reviews for this business wit directions, offers and more
Washingtondc.Citysearch.com
return to mylot
We are loading a word from our sponsors. No thanks, cancel loading.