Include index

Includes bibliographical references and index

The "oral" nature of African unwritten literature -- The perception of African oral literature -- The social, linguistic, and literary background -- Poetry and patronage -- Panegyric -- Elegiac poetry -- Religious poetry -- Special purpose poetry : war, hunting, and work -- Lyric -- Topical and political songs -- Children's songs and rhymes -- Prose narratives I : problems and theories -- Prose narratives II : content and form -- Proverbs -- Riddles -- Oratory, formal speaking, and other stylized forms -- Drum language and literature -- Drama

Open Access Electronic Book

"This revised edition makes Finnegan's ground-breaking research available to the next generation of scholars. It includes a new introduction, additional images, and an updated bibliography, as well as original chapters on poetry, prose, 'drum language' and drama, and an overview of the social, linguistic and historical background of oral literature in Africa."--Back cover

�� 2012 Ruth Finnegan, Foreword �� 2012 Mark Turin

�� 2012 Ruth Finnegan, Foreword �� 2012 Mark Turinches

������ 2012 Ruth Finnegan, Foreword ������ 2012 Mark Turin