Description
Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1939, Aimé Césaire’s
Cahier d’un Retour au Pays Natal is a landmark of modern French poetry and a founding text of the Négritude movement. This bilingual edition features a new authoritative translation, revised introduction, and extensive commentary, making it a magisterial edition of Césaire’s surrealist masterpiece.
Trade Review"Davis has not merely translated a great work of modernist poetry and an essential document in postcolonial history; he has created a present-day source of timely dissent." -- David B. Hobbs * The Nation *
"This is the best poem ever written." -- Juliana Spahr * Artforum *
"This edition is without a doubt destined to become a point of reference for every reader of the book as well as for those who dedicate their research to the work of Aimé Césaire, and well beyond the English-speaking world." (translated from the French) -- Giuseppe Sofo * Études Littéraires Africaines *
"Unparalleled in mid-20th century French literature. . . ." -- Tim Keane * Hyperallergic *
Table of ContentsEditor's Preface / F. Abiola Irele ix
Translator's Preface / N. Gregson Davis xi
Introduction 1
Journal of a Homecoming / Cahier d'un retour au pays natal 75
Commentary and Notes 151
Bibliography 295