The presence of African literature
The evolution of literary criticism, publishing, and readership
Africa’s growing role in western European culture is reflected in the increasing interest in its literature. Confined during the 1970s and 1980s to politically radical circles, African authors now appear in the culture pages of major journals. New anthologies from leading French publishers have raised the profile of African writing, while increased funding has enabled the professionalization of translation. Though channels of distribution are still at present weighted towards the West, African literature is on its way to becoming a vital manifestation of a universal literature, says Bernard Magnier.
