Even in this age of globalism, Africa still hangs precariously on the margins as a zone of abysmal silence and disarticulation. Ideas and prejudices travel with imperial ease and confidence in Africa while the canon war' makes it extremely difficult for African texts to make it to the readings lists of Western institutions. A grossly maladjusted economy, political instability, dictatorship and intolerance have affected the literary and cultural scene in near apocalyptic proportions. These essays address these issues from the perspective of an African writer and academic.'