This is the first volume of the collected works of Jamal Mohamed Ahmed. In it, we find a wealth of insights drawn from his extensive engagement with intellectual movements in Africa, as well as his reflections on the continent’s contemporary literary and social landscape. Jamal is renowned for his pioneering studies of literary texts, which are considered today to be among the gems of African literature. As a literary critic, researcher, and thinker, he takes his readers on a journey through both ancient and modern African history and the continent’s place in human civilization—pausing especially at its initial encounter with Europe and the consequences that encounter left on African society.
Jamal was also known for his deep interest in the issue of Arab-African relations, their past, present, and future. This volume contains four books that address a wide range of issues, but upon closer examination, they appear almost as a single cohesive book. These are: “Reflections on African Affairs” (1969), “On African Drama” (1973), “The Conscience of Africa” (1974), and “Arabs and Africans” (1978).
These four works reflect Jamal’s wide-ranging intellectual endeavors, presenting original contributions across several fields of knowledge. These are conveyed in a unique and carefully crafted language, using open and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of topics that intersect with comparative literature, sociology, contemporary history, political thought, identity studies, personal reflections, and more.
Jamal Mohamed Ahmed (1915–1986) studied in Khartoum and England, and held prominent positions in the worlds of literature, diplomacy, and politics, including serving as Sudan’s ambassador to Addis Ababa, Baghdad, and London, and serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan.
This book was edited and annotated by Bashir Abusin.
Excerpt from the introduction by Professor Salah M. Hassan, Chancellor of Global Studies University and Dean of The Africa Institute:
We at The Africa Institute are pleased to republish the complete works of Jamal Mohamed Ahmed (1915–1986), which include his various writings on Africa, his many translations, as well as scattered articles published in both Arabic and English. This reissue honors his pioneering role in African studies, drawing on his encyclopedic knowledge and innovative use of language.
Jamal is regarded as one of the first Arab writers to seriously engage with African affairs across politics, culture, and literature. His work reflects a broad and deep understanding of Africa’s history—both pre- and post-independence—as well as its literary traditions, from novels and poetry to oral storytelling. His firsthand interactions with African leaders and intellectuals during his academic and diplomatic career further shaped his unique perspective.
Through this publication, we aim to provide students and researchers of African culture and history access to the contributions of a key figure in decolonial critique. Jamal sought to expose how Western methodologies have approached Africa and the Global South more broadly. His engagement with African literature—especially poetry and fiction—served as an entry point to challenge colonial narratives and examine the intellectual trends of postcolonial Sub-Saharan Africa.
Physical purchase: This book is available for purchase at The Africa Institute’s bookshop, Meroë.
Online purchase: Our online purchasing service is currently undergoing an upgrade to serve you better. We’ll be back soon to help you access and receive your publications with an improved experience.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
About the Book This is the first volume of the collected works of Jamal Mohamed Ahmed. In it, we find a wealth of insights drawn from his extensive engagement with intellectual movements in Africa, as well as his reflections on the continent’s contemporary literary and social landscape. Jamal is renowned for his pioneering studies of literary texts, which are considered today to be among the gems of African literature. As a literary critic, researcher, and thinker, he takes his readers on a journey through both ancient and modern African history and the continent’s place in human civilization—pausing especially at its initial encounter with Europe and the consequences that encounter left on African society.
This is the first volume of the collected works of Jamal Mohamed Ahmed. In it, we find a wealth of insights drawn from his extensive engagement with intellectual movements in Africa, as well as his reflections on the continent’s contemporary literary and social landscape. Jamal is renowned for his pioneering studies of literary texts, which are considered today to be among the gems of African literature. As a literary critic, researcher, and thinker, he takes his readers on a journey through both ancient and modern African history and the continent’s place in human civilization—pausing especially at its initial encounter with Europe and the consequences that encounter left on African society.
Jamal was also known for his deep interest in the issue of Arab-African relations, their past, present, and future. This volume contains four books that address a wide range of issues, but upon closer examination, they appear almost as a single cohesive book. These are: “Reflections on African Affairs” (1969), “On African Drama” (1973), “The Conscience of Africa” (1974), and “Arabs and Africans” (1978).
These four works reflect Jamal’s wide-ranging intellectual endeavors, presenting original contributions across several fields of knowledge. These are conveyed in a unique and carefully crafted language, using open and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of topics that intersect with comparative literature, sociology, contemporary history, political thought, identity studies, personal reflections, and more.
Jamal Mohamed Ahmed (1915–1986) studied in Khartoum and England, and held prominent positions in the worlds of literature, diplomacy, and politics, including serving as Sudan’s ambassador to Addis Ababa, Baghdad, and London, and serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan.
This book was edited and annotated by Bashir Abusin.
Excerpt from the introduction by Professor Salah M. Hassan, Chancellor of Global Studies University and Dean of The Africa Institute:
We at The Africa Institute are pleased to republish the complete works of Jamal Mohamed Ahmed (1915–1986), which include his various writings on Africa, his many translations, as well as scattered articles published in both Arabic and English. This reissue honors his pioneering role in African studies, drawing on his encyclopedic knowledge and innovative use of language.
Jamal is regarded as one of the first Arab writers to seriously engage with African affairs across politics, culture, and literature. His work reflects a broad and deep understanding of Africa’s history—both pre- and post-independence—as well as its literary traditions, from novels and poetry to oral storytelling. His firsthand interactions with African leaders and intellectuals during his academic and diplomatic career further shaped his unique perspective.
Through this publication, we aim to provide students and researchers of African culture and history access to the contributions of a key figure in decolonial critique. Jamal sought to expose how Western methodologies have approached Africa and the Global South more broadly. His engagement with African literature—especially poetry and fiction—served as an entry point to challenge colonial narratives and examine the intellectual trends of postcolonial Sub-Saharan Africa.
Physical purchase: This book is available for purchase at The Africa Institute’s bookshop, Meroë.
Online purchase: Our online purchasing service is currently undergoing an upgrade to serve you better. We’ll be back soon to help you access and receive your publications with an improved experience.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Basheer Abusin
The Africa Institute (Sharjah, UAE)
Arabic
978-9948-710-21-9
17 x 23 cm, paperback
AED 48.5 | $13.21
2025
Our online purchasing service is currently undergoing an upgrade to serve you better.
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