The essays approach the African literary subjects from a variety of biographical perspectives. The first two deal with biographical criticism itself, offering examples of how it can be abused as a method of literary evaluation. The next three are concerned with demonstrating why the themes and techniques employed by Dennis Brutus, Wole Soyinka and Ngugi wa Thiong'o have changed significantly over time. The remaining essays are primarily biographical, setting down a reliable factual record of important moments in the careers of two Nigerian writers, a German scholar and a South African performer. Each essay has its own strategy, but they all work toward a common goal: illumination of a reciprocity between literature and life.

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