A Pan-American composer? Coleridge-Taylor and Africa
From early published compositions (the seven African Romances, op. 17, for voice), Samuel Coleridge-Taylor consciously projected himself as a composer of lively African sensibilities. His later scores reflect more somber musical influences from the African diaspora. The composer also made one specific attempt to incorporate West African thematic materials into his work, offering a tantalizing glimpse of a path he might have taken had he not died so young. He never visited Africa or met his father, but he had firm contacts with the tight-knit social circle of West African professionals to which his father belonged. At least twenty-four West Africans attended the composer's funeral in 1912, and a wreath in the shape of the continent, highlighting Sierra Leone, was laid at his grave (Fryer 1984, 261). African aspects of both his music and his family background are relevant to proper assessment of the composer and his work. Coleridge-Taylor came to prominence at the high point of Victorian political and popular engagement with Africa. The commander-in-chief of the British-led forces in Egypt, Sir Herbert Kitchener, defeated the Mahdists at Omdurman on September 2, 1898. Tory prime minister Lord Salisbury's main intent in venturing into the Sudan was to counter French threats to control continental river and rail connections. On
John Alcindor (1873–1924): A migrant's biography
A biographical approach to one Caribbean migrant in Britain in the early decades of this century shows something of the connections of the black minority in those years. Alcindor qualified as a medical doctor and filled several professional positions in London before and after the First World War. He was also active in the African Progress Union, speaking up for and representing black people. His life story is seen as an indication of the social and professional success which blacks could obtain in Britain at the height of imperialism.
The Wrath of Athena: Gods and Men in the Odyssey
Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Introduction to the Paperback Edition Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 The Beginning of the Odyssey Chapter 5 Odysseus Chapter 6 Gods and Men Chapter 7 The Encounter of Odysseus and Athena Chapter 8 The Double Theodicy of the Odyssey Chapter 9 Appendix: Demodocus and Homer Chapter 10 Bibliography Chapter 11 Index of Sources Chapter 12 Index of Names and Subjects