Table of Contents

Map Introduction to the Revised Edition Background Information Geography Religion Society Politics Oral Tradition, Pronunciation and Spelling Who's Who of Characters/Glossary of Places Preface The Story of Sundiata The Words of the Griot Mamadou Kouyatc The First Kings of Mali The Buffalo Woman The Lion Child Childhood The Lion's Awakening Exile Soumaoro Kantc: The Sorcerer King History The Baobab Leaves The Return The Names of the Heroes Nana Triban and Balla Fassckc Krina The Empire Kouroukan Fougan or The Division of the World Niani Eternal Mali Author's Notes

Promotional Information

This highly accessible translation of the classic story of Sundiata, a real king who ruled the empire of Mali just south of the Sahara desert from 1235-55, engages readers while introducing African culture and oral tradition used in Africa.

About the Author

Born in Guinea, author and playwright Djibril Tamsir Niane is a descendant of griots - African oral historians/storytellers. He translated Sundiata, as told by the griot Djeli Mamadou Kouyate, into French under the title Soundjata ou Epoque Mandiginue in 1960. It was later translated into English by G. D. Pickett in 1965.