African literature as political philosophy / M.S.C. Okolo.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 147-160) and index.

A Neglected Benefit -- Literature as Philosophy: A Theoretical Framework -- Chinua Achebe and Ngugi Wa Thiong'o as Political Thinkers -- Achebe's Reformist Agenda in Anthills of the Savannah -- Ngugi's Marxist Aesthetics -- Achebe and Ngugi on the African Condition -- Which Way for Africa Introduction: A Neglected Benefit -- Literature as Philosophy: A Theoretical Framework -- Chinua Achebe and Ngugi Wa Thiong'o as Political Thinkers -- Achebe's Reformist Agenda in Anthills of the Savannah -- Ngugi's Marxist Aesthetics -- Achebe and Ngugi on the African Condition -- Which Way for Africa.

This book looks in particular at Achebe's Anthills of the Savannah and Petals of Blood by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, but situates these within the broader context of developments in African literature over the past half-century, discussing writers from Ayi Kwei Armah to Wole Soyinka. M.S.C. Okolo provides a thorough analysis of the authors' differing approaches and how these emerge from the literature. Okolo argues that these authors have been profoundly affected by the political situation of Africa, but have also helped to create a new African political philosophy.