The French Critical Reception of African-American Literature: From the Beginnings to 1970 An Annotated Bibliography

by Michel Fabre

Overview

The first real reviewing of African-American literature in France began in 1844, when audiences welcomed the romantic dramas of Victor Sejour. With the passing of time, African-American works have become increasingly known in France, where they are now translated almost as soon as they come out in the United States. This bibliography charts the French critical response to African-American literature from the 19th century to 1970.

The bulk of the items selected were published between 1900 and 1970, and all were printed in French. The selection has been limited to responses to the works of creative writers, along with some important and influential autobiographical writings. Entries are arranged in chronological sections, and then alphabetically within each section. Annotations summarize the critical views expressed in the work cited. As a whole, the bibliography is a valuable guide to changing French critical attitudes toward African-American literature and is an index to the growing popularity of African-American literature in France.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313253683
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/24/1995
Series:	Bibliographies and Indexes in Afro-American and African Studies , #33
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

MICHEL FABRE is a Professor at the Research Center in African-American Studies at the University of Paris III. His many publications include Chester Himes: An Annotated Primary and Secondary Bibliography (Greenwood, 1992).

Table of Contents

Introduction
Bibliography
French Translations of African-American Literature
Index of Authors and Concepts
Index of Titles
Index of Periodicals

Editorial Reviews

A selection of criticism of African-American Literature printed in French and published between 1900 and 1970. The order is chronological by year, and then alphabetical within each section. The selection is generally limited to responses to the works of creative writers, but Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington are included for historical reasons; this is also the case for Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and Eldridge Cleaver, because French reactions to their writings became extensive in the late 1960s. One of many noteworthy findings: the authors who are best-known, admired, and cherished in France are not necessarily those most cherished in the US, e.g., Chester Himes. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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