The Columbia guide to South African literature in English since 1945 /

The latest addition to Columbia's impressive series of guides to African literatures since 1945 focuses on South Africa. This guide by Cornwell and Klopper (both, Rhodes Univ.), and MacKenzie (Univ. of Johannesburg) covers authors and some broad topics (biography, prison literature, short story). The introductory chapter is a lengthy essay that captures the literary history of South Africa. Entries are arranged alphabetically. An additional section covers authors who were active prior to 1945, including creative writers, journalists, and historians who were born in or emigrated to South Africa. The volume includes a time line. Entries are unsigned and range in length from 100 to 3,000 words. Other guides in the series include A. Roscoe's Central African Literature (CH, Apr'08, 45-4210), O. Owomoyela's West African Literature, (CH, Apr'09, 46-4269), and S. Gikandi and E. Mwangi's East African Literature (CH, Aug'08, 45-6500). Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. E. A. Blakesley Washington State University