The Hero with an African Face: Mythic Wisdom of Traditional Africa
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
In this remarkable book, Clyde Ford restores to us the lost treasure of African mythology, bringing to life the ancient tales and showing why they matter so much to us today. African myths convey the perennial wisdom of humanity: the creation of the world, the hero's journey, our relationship with nature, death, and resurrection. From the Ashanti comes the moving account of the grief-stricken Kwasi Benefo's journey to the underworld to seek his beloved wives. From Uganda we learn of the legendary Kintu, who won the love of a goddess and created a nation from a handful of isolated clans. The Congo's epic hero Mwindo is the sacred warrior who shows us the path each person must travel to discover his true destiny. These and other important African myths show us the history of African Americans in a new light--as a hero's journey, a courageous passage to a hard-won victory. The Hero with an African Face enriches us all by restoring this vital tradition to the world.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0553378686
ISBN13:9780553378689
Release Date:January 2000
Publisher:Random House Publishing Group
Length:256 Pages
Weight:0.89 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 6.1" x 9.3"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Required Reading
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Should be required reading in our schools. Mr. Ford has written an enlightening book that answers the many questions pondered by americans of African origin. So many things explained prompted me to write "The Aha!" in the margin. Superb work. Thank you.
A superb piece of non-fiction
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This is an excellent book. I'd give it 100 stars if I could. Like another reader wrote, I wish I had found this book sooner. Every African and African-American should read this book. Thank you so much, Mr. Ford. I'll keep my review simple because I could go on forever. This book puts African myths in their rightful place: as legitimate, awesome, powerful stories that explain the human condition and our connection to the creator. All myths sprang from the African ones and Ford does a masterful job in explaining why myths are important to our lives today.
An Essential Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I've read this book twice and will probably read it once more, because I learn something new with every reading. This is such an essential book for understanding not only the importance of myth, but Africa's far-reaching contribution. Ford's book traces the genesis of myth and belief systems and shows an evolution that not only surfaces in other cultures, but even in the bible. A masterful documentary that takes us all on a hero's and heroine's journey
A monumental work
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
Clyde W. Ford helps us to connect to African mythology on so many levels. It is encouraging and illuminating to finally see African mythology treated in the manner that it deserves: as vital as those of any other culture. He demonstrates the importance of myth for centering our lives and providing focus for living. His discussion of the meaning and role of myth in the preface is worth the price of the book alone.
African myths are given their rightful place in the world!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
This book provides the missing link in our spiritual/mythical evolution. When one link in humanity's mythological history is placed forever outside of the philosophical circle; both sides lose. Those inside the circle suffer, as well as those outside of the circle. This book is as important to me as Ken Wilber's "Brief History of Everything.' From this point forward the African myths are given their rightful place in the pantheon of world mythology.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
