Books in the African Epic series

Introduces English-speaking readers to the extensive epic traditions in Africa.

The famous epic of "Son-Jara", celebrating the exploits of the legendary founder of the Empire of Old Mali some 750 years ago, is widely recited today among the Mandekan-speaking peoples of West Africa. This text presents a full linear translation of a performance of the "Son-Jara" epic recorded in its heartland in west central Mali.

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 recited among Mandekan-speaking peoples of West Africa. This text provides historical and contextual frameworks for understanding this African epic.