Description

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This is the first scholarly analysis of the literary oral text of the epic of the Torobe Elhadj Omar Tal. Offered in this book is an original translation from the Zarma-Songhay of the Niger Republic along with four critical chapters of in-depth study of the spiritual and theological changes that gave rise to such a text. This work may well be considered the first of its kind on the African continent dealing directly with a text that evolved within its own cultural and historical context. It will give its readers significant insight into the birth and spread of Islam in West Africa, and the reactive quests of local gods and theologies. Oneness and plurality of God are seen as catalysts of histories. Dr. Watta, as this work shows, once again spearheads African scholarship as did the intellectuals C.A. Diop and W. Soyinka in History and Literature respectively. He furthers his long-held mandate to inspire increased appreciation of African cultures.

About the Author

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The Author: Dr. Oumarou Watta is a poet, novelist and scholar of African literatures with praiseworthy insight into archetypes and the poetic wisdom of West Africa. He has written works of poetry such as "In-Sign-E, Siege, Southern Praises" and four books, "The End of the Riddle, Ballet of Scorpions, A Quest for Meaning in the African Epic" and "The Epic Bird: A Study of the Saga of Hama Bodedido Yeli Pati." This book on Elhadj Omar is bound to capture the attention of scholars of Africa and students of cultural and theological studies.