Mae G. Henderson

Deploying the trope of 'speaking in tongues' to theorise the multivocality of black women's writing, based on the reconstruction of a fundamentally spiritual practice as critical concept, Mae G. Henderson also enlists a second trope, 'dancing diaspora', to theorise the narrativity of black women's dance, based on the notions of 'performing testimony' and 'critical witnessing'. Together, these tropes are meant to signify a tradition of black women writing and performing, a tradition privileging the pre-eminence of voice and narration, along with the roles of listening and witnessing.

At the beginning of the twenty-first century the world may be in a "transnational moment." Indeed, we are increasingly aware of the ways in which local and national narratives, in literature and elsewhere, cannot be conceived apart from a radically new sense of shared human histories and global interdependence. To think transnationally about literature, history, and culture requires a study of the evolution of hybrid identities within nation-states and diasporic identities across national boundaries. This book collects nineteen essays written in the 1990s. Displaying both historical depth and theoretical finesse as they attempt close and lively readings, they are accessible, well-focused resources for college and university students and their teachers. Included are more than one discussion of each literary tradition associated with major racial and ethnic communities. Such a gathering of diverse, complementary, and often competing viewpoints provides a good introduction to the cultural differences and commonalities that comprise the United States today. -- from back cover.

"Star of stage and screen, cultural ambassador, civil rights and political activist--Josephine Baker was defined by the various public roles that made her 50-year career an exemplar of postmodern identity. Her legacy continues to influence modern culture more than 40 years after her death"--