'This is the first reference guide to the political, cultural and economic histories that form the subject-matter of postcolonial literatures written in English. The focus of the Companion is principally on the histories of postcolonial literatures in the Anglophone world - Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Pacific, the Caribbean and Canada. There are long entries discussing the literatures and histories of those further areas that have also claimed the title 'postcolonial', notably Britain, East Asia, Ireland, Latin America and the United States. By outlining the historical contexts of postcolonial literatures, the Companion provides an important key to understanding complex contemporary debates about globalisation and neo-colonialism; gender inequality; racism and nationalism; and ethnic, cultural and religious conflict. Its coverage of events, figures and movements along with political, social, and economic developments makes this indispensable reading for students, teachers and general readers alike.' (Publisher's blurb)
