Sunjata Gambian Versions of the Mande Epic - Penguin Classics

New Edition

Paperback (07 Oct 1999)

Save $0.18

  • RRP $16.39
  • $16.21
Add to basket

Includes delivery to the United States

9 copies available online - Usually dispatched within 7 days

Publisher's Synopsis

Sunjata Keita was the founder of one of the greatest empires of Western Africa. These two epic accounts of his life portray a greedy, slow-witted child - said to have crawled until the age of seven - who grew up as prophecy foretold to become a mighty warrior, renowned for his bravery and superhuman strength. They describe how, with the help of his sister, who seduced their arch-enemy Sumanguru into revealing his secret powers, Sunjata defeated the Susu overlords and created the Mali Empire which would last for two centuries. Based on events from the early thirteenth century, these tales of heroism and magic are still celebrated across West Africa as part of a living epic oral tradition.

About the Publisher

Penguin Classics

In January 1946, the Penguin Classics list was launched with E. V. Rieu's translation of The Odyssey. The series now consists of over 800 titles including the best in English, American, European, classical and non-western literature and an extensive range of philosophy, religion, art, history and politics titles.

Book information

ISBN: 9780140447361
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Pub date:
Edition: New Edition
DEWEY: 398.2096651
DEWEY edition: 21
Language: English
Number of pages: 117
Weight: 126g
Height: 196mm
Width: 129mm
Spine width: 10mm