Offers an introduction to the growth area of colonial and postcolonial writing in English. This book combines a contextualising narrative situating key developments in imperial and postcolonial history, with theoretical readings of key texts that illuminate important concepts and definitions, including 'writing back' and 'mimicry'.

Introduces postcolonial literary studies through close readings of a wide range of fiction and poetryThis guide places the literary works themselves at the centre of its discussions, examining how writers from Africa, Australasia, the Caribbean, Canada, Ireland, and South Asia have engaged with the challenges that beset postcolonial societies. Dave Gunning discusses many of the most-studied works of postcolonial literature, from Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart to Salman Rushdies The Satanic Verses, as well as works by more recent writers like Chris Abani, Tahmima Anam and Shani Mootoo. Each chapter explores a key theme through drawing together works from various times and places. The book concludes with an extensive guide to further reading and tips on how to write about postcolonial literature successfully.Key FeaturesClose analysis of texts including, Sam Selvons The Lonely Londoners, J.M Coetzees Disgrace, Roddy Doyles A Star Called Henry, Shani Mootoos Cereus Blooms at Night, Tsitsi Dangarembgas Nervous Conditions, Zadie Smiths White Teeth, Mohsin Hamids The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Tahmima Anams A Golden Age, Michael Ondaatjes Anils Ghost, and Amitav Ghoshs In an Antique Land, as well as poetry by Derek Walcott, Eavan Boland, Agha Shahid Ali, Chris Abani and others.Discusses important new themes in postcolonial literature including global Islam, postcolonial sexualities and the representation of military conflict.Includes a Chronology, a Guide to Further Reading, and Tips on Writing about Postcolonial Literature.

This book presents an introduction to key issues involved in the study of postcolonial literature including diasporas, postcolonial nationalisms, indigenous identities and politics and globalization. This book also contains a chapter on afterlives and adaptations that explores a range of wider cultural texts including film, non-fiction and art.

This Guide analyses the criticism of English-language literature from the major regions of the postcolonial world. Criticism on works by writers such as Jean Rhys, V.S. Naipaul and Salman Rushdie, is discussed to illustrate the themes and concepts essential to an understanding of postcolonial literature and the development of criticism in the field