Description

Title: Facing Mount Kenya
Author/Publisher: Jomo Kenyatta / Vintage Books (United States)
Publication Year: 1962
Format: Paperback

Synopsys: "Facing Mount Kenya" is a seminal work by Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya. It's an anthropological study focused on the traditional life and customs of Kenyatta's own tribe, the Kikuyu. Set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya, it discusses the tribe's social, political, and economic structures and delves into areas such as tribal religion, initiation ceremonies, and family life. Written at a time when the tribe's culture and its very existence were under threat from colonial powers, the book is both an unflinching critique of colonial policy and a passionate defense of a disappearing way of life. The book, however, extends beyond the confines of academic anthropology; it's an essential record of the struggle for Kenyan identity and independence.

Synopsis

This 1962 paperback edition of Jomo Kenyatta's 'Facing Mount Kenya' presents a pivotal ethnographic study by the man who would become Kenya's first President. It offers an unparalleled insider's perspective on the Kikuyu people, Kenyatta's own community, and remains a foundational text in African studies.

As a significant non-fiction work, the book delves deeply into the traditional life and customs of the Kikuyu, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kenya. It meticulously explores the tribe's intricate social, political, and economic structures, providing a profound understanding of their pre-colonial existence.

• Traditional Governance & Economy: Kenyatta details the sophisticated systems of governance, justice, and economic practices that shaped Kikuyu society, highlighting their self-sufficiency and communal organisation before colonial influence.
• Spiritual Beliefs & Rituals: The text provides an intimate account of Kikuyu tribal religion, exploring the profound spiritual connection to the land, ancestral veneration, and the role of various rituals in daily life.
• Rites of Passage: A significant portion is dedicated to the elaborate initiation ceremonies, particularly for young men and women, demonstrating how these rites affirmed identity, status, and responsibilities within the community and family unit.

This 1962 edition is not merely an academic text but a potent political statement and a testament to African identity, penned by a key figure in the continent's struggle for independence. Its continued relevance makes it a compelling acquisition for collectors of African history, anthropology, and significant political literature.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

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