Originally published in Gikũy as Murogi wa Kagogo, Wizard of the Crow is a thought-provoking satirical novel that gives a surgical examination of the cult of dictatorship in Africa. The story is set in the imaginary Free Republic of Aburiria, and weaved around the Ruler and his coterie of court-poets, all of them the epitome of the dictum that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Then there is Kamiti, the mystical figure who is the subject of conjecture, and Nyawira, the underground revolutionary in the vanguard of agitating for change in Aburiria. In the end, Ngügĩ manages to vibrate with the magical realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez; the brutal frankness of Dostoyevsky; and the lyrical beauty of African folklore.Yet, the most intriguing question as you read the novel is: Who is the Wizard of the Crow?“…great, spellbinding…probably the crowning glory of Ngügi’s life’s work … he has turned the power of storytelling into a weapon against totalitarianism.” Washington Post “A magisterial magic realist account of 20th-century African history. It is unreservedly a masterpiece Scotland on Sunday “..an epic farce, poking fun at Aburiria’s idiotocracy…written in the lyrical style of a master storyteller, perfect for reading – and laughing aloud. Time Magazine in a citation in which it voted the book as ONE OF THE 10 BEST BOOKS IN 2006. “…a terrifying reflection of how vulgar the human condition can become, but at the same time a highly entertaining and easily accessible fable.”

NGUGI WA THIONG’O is undoubtedly Kenya’s most prolic writer. From the time he launched himself as a pioneer African writer with Weep Not, Child (1964), there was no stopping Ngugi. Weep Not, Child was quickly followed up by The River Between (1965) and A Grain of Wheat (1967), both of which conrmed Ngugi as a writer of great ambition. The publication of Petals of Blood (1977) and the pre-publication staging of the Gikuyu version of I Will Marry When I Want (a play), swiftly led to his detention without trial by Kenya’s authorities. After detention, Ngugi issued Caaitani Mutharaba-ini, (Devil on the Cross —1982) and Matigari ma Njirungi (1986), a novel in Gikuyu. Ngugi is also a renowned playwright which such works as The Black Hermit (1968) and The Trial of Dedan Kimathi (1976), co-authored with Micere Githae Mugo. Besides novels and plays, he has also written volumes of essays and has published an anthology of short stories — Secret Lives (1963). All Ngugi’s novels are published in the Peak Library.

In THE ART OF EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE REHEARSING, Robert Ingari presents effective rehearsal techniques that allow choral conductors and their singers to use the musical structure of a work to energize and enrich the rehearsal process. For the conductor who wishes to achieve more convincing and consistent results, practical and targeted tools are offered to help reach these goals. Based on the principle of an organized and interactive approach derived from the structural elements of the score, the proposed rehearsal techniques prove useful in all situations, helping to better coordinate the rehearsal process and make score learning more coherent. Furthermore, Jennifer Y. M. Lee contributes by offering tools designed to more effectively accompany the adult learner, thus enhancing the conductor’s working process.

Onyeke Alphaeus Onyeke was born around O1960s in Imufu, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North, Enugu State. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Primary School, Imufu and St. Theresa’s College, Nsukka respectively. He graduated in Medical Laboratory Sciences from School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. He proceeded to Massey University, New Zealand where he graduated in Health services management and Management Sciences for postgraduate Diploma and master’s degrees respectively. He also obtained Certificate of Proficiency in Control Systems of the Body. He holds postgraduate certiβicates in Epidemiology and Applied Statistics from Chinese University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. He has written books namely: The Desk, Sit Down, and Competition: The National Concepts, Compendium of Beacons of DemocracyTransformation in Nigeria, Rethinking Leadership, Nostagia, Collection of Poems, Enokpa: Embodiment of Courage and Uncommon Concepts. He wrote cerebral articles and theor ized equat ions that were earth-shatter ing. H is three groundbreaking equations are on Organizational Sciences such as Perfect Organization, Organizational Culture and Individual Conβidence. He is a Professor of Entrepreneurship. He βinished two years tenure as Resident Advisor on Entrepreneurship and Youth Development in Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, University of Abuja.

Jacques Ellul was a prolific writer and brilliant sociologist whose work on technological society and propaganda remains relevant today, despite coming from a distinctly French, postwar perspective. Technique and Control re-introduces Ellul’s main body of work to social scientists and readers curious about technology and social life. Frank W. Elwell has updated and supplemented Ellul’s examples of lifeworld domination through physical technology, organization, and an underlying mindset of technique that prioritizes efficient goal-oriented behaviors guided by experience, empiricism, calculability, predictability, and logic. Particular attention is given to the development of human techniques of control such as education, propaganda, and other modes of socialization. By re-invigorating these writings for contemporary readers, Elwell illuminates an important body of sociological work for a new generation of social scientists, students, and those interested in modern society and its continuing evolution.

‘This is vintage Ngügĩ, plain-spoken, intensely committed, and passionate about the values of freedom and struggle in which he still profoundly believes.’ – Elleke Boehmer, Professor of World Literature in English, University of Oxford. Renowned worldwide, as novelist and dramatist, Ngügĩ wa Thiongo’s contributions to the body of critical writing on African literature, politics and society have been highly significant. His best known critical work is Decolonising the Mind, which since publication in 1986 has profoundly influenced other writers, critics, scholars and students. These latest essays reflect Ngügi’s continuing interests enthusiasms. His choice of writers is original. He makes us look again at their novels to address his lifelong concerns with the ways to independence, the meanings of colonialism and the takeover by neo-colonialism, and the functions of literature in political as well as literary terms. They will appeal not only to his international band of supporters. They will also introduce his views to young people discovering African and Caribbean literature.

The pioneering book that exposed the intergenerational health impacts of systemic racism is back—with 50 percent new content to meet the demands of our post-2020 reality.

This updated edition delivers urgent tools for survival, including four new chapters, updated research, case studies, and real-world examples.

Black people are exhausted. The toll of living within systems designed to exclude them devastates minds, bodies, and spirits. Award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion leader Mary-Frances Winters—now joined by Mareisha Winters Reese—addresses this ongoing crisis with an urgent update to her bestselling book.

Winters and Reese incorporate new data, fresh case studies, and expanded tools to reflect today’s realities. This edition, with 50 percent new content, includes the following:

• Four new chapters on current challenges facing Black communities
• Updated research on racism’s health impacts in a post-COVID world
• New stories and case studies that illuminate lived experience
• Updated models reflecting today’s most relevant findings

With unflinching honesty and a practical lens, Winters and Reese document the enduring toll of “living while Black” while also equipping readers with strategies for personal healing and organizational transformation. The research is current, the case studies are real, and the tools are designed to create lasting systemic change.

The humans break their promise by continuously invading and misusing the forest, so the animals decide to send them a warning. The humans do not heed it, so the animals attack. This leads to fierce battles. Lucky, a selfless monkey, is worried of the effects of these battles to the ecosystem and humanity. So, together with other animals, he goes on a mission in search of the Peace Plant, which is planted at the entrance of the forest by both parties, marking an end to the war. They promise to always respect the forest and the environment.

A notorious thief named Ban, breaks into a mansion, where a girl named Aya who has been sick for many years lives. Her father had taken her round the world for treatment, but his efforts were all in vain. Ban stumbles in on Aya in her room and she offers him a cup of coffee despite knowing he is a thief. After much hesitation, he accepts the invitation and they both talk about their sad stories. Touched by each other’s situations, they become friends and spend their days together, creating happy memories. One day, Ban comes to the mansion and discovers that Aya has died. Filled with grief, he promises to change his ways and become a good person.

Growing up as an orphan, Tem decides to build an orphanage in his community to provide education and shelter for children. One morning, they find an abandoned miserable child at the gate and name her Mbong. She is loved by all as she is fast becoming an adorable, intelligent, cheerful and lively girl. Years pass and the population increases, financial difficulties set in and worst of it is the outbreak of a waterborne disease. Many infected children, including Mbong are rushed to the hospital, but the doctors are unmoved by the situation. Mbong and the other children finally succumb to the disease, leaving the orphanage in grief and lamentation.

In the heart of the jungle, where animals gather daily to play football, lives Zuza, a shy and slow tortoise who dreams of being a great player. Mocked and rejected because of his short limbs and slow pace, Zuza almost gives up on his dream—until Tika sees his potential and offers to train him. Zuza trains tirelessly for months, facing countless failures, but with Tika’s unwavering support, he learns to focus not on what he lacks but on what he can become. Despite being ridiculed and benched during the Jungle Tournament, Zuza gets one chance and scores the winning goal, earning the respect of everyone, including his doubters.

In Minutes of Glory and Other Stories, he weaves together disparate stories of people attempting to deal with change in their lives, either chosen or forced upon them, showing his understanding of human nature, its frequent resistance to change and its ability to surprise. Just as the scope of his craft encompasses a myriad of Kenyan culture, so too does this anthology channel an equally broad spectrum of emotions and ideas. Divided into four major movements, Minutes of Glory includes the nearly sixty-year-old short story ‘The Fig Tree’ alongside the much more recent ‘The Ghost of Michael Jackson.’ The first two overarching subjects of the collection are also its most permeating as Ng?g? wrestles with trials of family and faith. ‘The Village Priest’ details the titular priest’s struggle to conjure rain and maintain his spirituality against a far more prolific rainmaker. Throughout this text, traditional practice rallies against Western influence seeking to assimilate, if not render, the bulk of Kenya vestigial. Minutes of Glory and Other Stories is a major literary event that celebrates the storytelling might of one of the best-loved writers from Africa. It is a dazzling short story collection from one of the greatest writers of our time.

Told through the eyes of a curious toddler, I Am Dirty, Mommy is a simple, tender, and relatable story about exploration, care, and learning to protect oneself. As the child crawls, walks, and plays with a friend, the world becomes an exciting place full of movement—and puddles. Inevitably, little adventures lead to muddy feet, messy hands, and the familiar cry, “I am dirty, Mommy!” With patience and warmth, Mommy gently cleans the child’s feet and hands, then provides shoes and gloves to keep them safe. Each moment of care becomes a gentle lesson in hygiene, protection, and responsibility. The child learns that while playing is joyful, wearing protective gear helps prevent getting dirty and keeps them safe from harm. Through repetitive, rhythmic language and expressive black-and-white illustrations highlighted with bright red and yellow boots and gloves, young readers are guided through cause and effect in a way that feels natural and comforting. Perfect for early learners, this book helps children understand the importance of wearing shoes and gloves, caring for their bodies, and trusting their caregivers—all while celebrating the joy of childhood play and discovery.

When the World in My Voice Sings is a collection of poetry that boldly speaks about social issues, corruption, justice and human rights. It will leave you in a deep reflective mood about the current state of our world and hopefully inspire you to become an agent of change.

Gilbert Phiri is the Deputy Principal of Domasi College of Education. He holds a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies from Mzuzu University, Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Malawi and a Diploma in Education from Domasi College of Educaion. His area of specialization is Church History with a focus on the role of the church in the development of education in Malawi. He is the author of several book chapters on the educational work of CCAP Blantyre Synod.From the first day, the Blantyre missionaries preached and practiced a wholisitc gospel, and wholisite education was a major part of it, long before the government ever took interest. This book traces it all, from village schools to students being sent to Lovedale or Scotland for advanced training, from Janet Beck’s school for her daughters and granddaughters to today’s Blantyre Synod University, and from the wholistic education (academic and professional) to the time when government decided to abolish that.

The central question that this volume seeks to answer is: What are the similarities and differences between how human beings know language and how artificial intelligence knows language? The recent development and popularization of artificial intelligence systems called Large Language Models (such as ChatGPT) have led to a proliferation of opinions regarding the relevance of these systems beyond the practical purposes for which they were designed. It is not uncommon to find statements in social networks and popular magazines, as well as in academic publications, to the effect that these language models have solved the problems that sciences such as linguistics aim to solve, that their success in generating text can be seen as a refutation of some particularly influential theories of language, or that Language Models are actually scientific theories of language. These statements seem to be based on the premise that the linguistic knowledge acquired by these systems is comparable to that developed by humans. This book aims to evaluate whether this assumption is warranted. To this end, the opinions of renowned linguists and other cognitive scientists have been gathered to answer questions such as what kind of language knowledge these artificial systems have, to what extent they are faithful models of natural language knowledge, and what we can learn about the human language faculty by examining their inner workings. Anyone interested in the nature of human language and mind and in artificial intelligence can follow the eight chapters of the book without being an expert in linguistics or computer science. This is the first comprehensive work to present the views of experts in linguistic theory on the relevant questions mentioned above, and to provide an accessible presentation of current research on the nature of artificial knowledge of language.

Ever wonder about what an 18th-century physician or surgeon needed to know about skin diseases? For the very first time, the 18th-century handbook, Doctrina de Morbis Cutaneis (1783 edition), has been translated into English. In an effort to distill confusing information about skin diseases into a simple system for his students, Joseph Jacob Plenck (1738–1807)—unknowingly and without any recognition—set the study of skin disease on a path toward formal specialization. Doctrina was the text that inspired Robert Willan (1757–1812) to make his own system; thus, Doctrina is the foundational text of dermatology. In the 250th anniversary of the first edition of this work (1776), it is our intent both to honor Plenck with a translation of his masterful work and to reveal its secrets to modern readers and scholars.

Poetry Is Therapeutic is an intimate, heartfelt invitation to discover the healing power of words. Through a gentle blend of personal reflection, poetic tradition, and practical exercises, author Fortune Omosola guides readers, especially those who may never have considered themselves poets, toward reclaiming their voice. Fortune Omosola, drawing from the rich wells of African oral storytelling and European literary introspection, uses this book to expand on poetry not only as an art form for the few, but as a compassionate companion for the many. It is a safe space to honor grief, name silence, reclaim memory, and transform pain into meaning, one honest line at a time. Whether you are carrying unspoken sorrow, seeking clarity, or simply longing to reconnect with yourself, this book offers a gentle hand and a blank page.

NGŨGĨ WA THIONG’O is Kenya’s most prolic writer. From the wa Thiong’o time he launched himself as a pioneer African writer with Weep Not Child (1964), there was no stopping him. The title was quickly followed by The River Between (1965) and A Grain of Wheat (1967), both of which confirmed Ngũgĩ as a writer of great ambition. The subsequent novels, Petals of Blood (1977) and Devil on the Cross (1980) had great impact around the world due to their powerful political message. Ngũgĩ has taught in universities both in Kenya and abroad, and has been an ardent advocate of writing in indigenous languages. Besides writing novels, he has also published plays, short stories and essays on Caribbean and African writing. All his novels are published in the African Classics Series. Who is Matigari? Is he young or old; a man or fate; dead or living … or a resurrection of Jesus Christ? These are the questions asked by the people of this unnamed country, when a man who has survived the war of independence emerges from the mountains and starts making strange claims and demands. Matigari is in search of his family, to rebuild his home and start a new and peaceful future, but his search becomes a quest for truth and justice as he finds the people still disposessed and the land he loves ruled by corruption, fear and misery. Lyrical and hilarious in turn, Matigari, which was first published in Gĩkũyũ as Matigari ma Njirũũngi, is a memorable satire on the betrayal of human ideals and on the bitter experience of post-independence African society.

This edited volume shows surprising similarities in labour history and its legacy in two different contexts: South African occupied Namibia and Switzerland in the second half of the 20th century. Both the apartheid state and post-war Switzerland established an exploitative migrant labour system. In the Swiss case, migrant labourers came on seasonal contracts from poorer southern-European countries such as Italy and Spain and later Turkey or the Balkan states. In the Namibian case the sending areas of the migrant labour were defined as African reserves and later ‘independent’ homelands, allowing the workers to be treated as foreigners by the state. The systems aimed at fast-tracking economic growth and safeguarding the nations from crises by setting quotas of ‘imported’ cheap labour to be lowered or increased according to the needs of the economy. In both cases migrant labourers had only very limited rights and they were marginalised or outright excluded from participation in public life and society in their places of work.

This novel sits at the crossroads of autobiography and philosophical essay, plunging the reader into the tumult of Zaire’s political transition at the end of the Mobutu era. Forced into exile by the collapse of my country, I traversed Southern Africa in a journey that led me from Angola to the lands of Swaziland, passing through post-war Mozambique and a South Africa in the midst of its post-apartheid transformation. More than a simple testimony of my childhood, youth, education, and exile, this work explores the fine line between fatality and individual responsibility. Through my illusions and disillusions, I pose a fundamental question: to what extent are we the architects of our own downfall or the silent accomplices of our fate? Having returned to my native land, I conceived this narrative not as a statement of failure, but as a true call to action. It is an invitation to reclaim the reins of our personal and collective histories—to no longer endure a "diverted destiny," but to actively shape the course of events and our ultimate destination.

An Analysis of Tendai Mwanaka’s ‘Notes from a Modern Chimurenga’ and Christopher’s Kudyahakudadirwe’s ‘The Big Noise and other Noises’.As a literature student the selection of the topic of this dissertation was mainly inspired by the emotional trauma experienced by the writer when she lost her daughter who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend. The study sought to expose various traumas that are depicted by two Zimbabwean authors namely Christopher Kudyahakudadirwe and Tendai Rinos Mwanaka. Drawing from their experiences, both authors manage to define trauma as both an individual or a collective phenomenon that can affect a nation due to socio-economic impact or socio-political environment.

For more than sixty years, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has been writing fearlessly about the questions, challenges, histories, and futures of Africans, particularly those of his homeland, Kenya. In his work, which has included plays, novels, and essays, Ngũgĩ narrates the injustice of colonial violence and the dictatorial betrayal of decolonization, the fight for freedom and subsequent incarceration, and the aspiration towards economic equality in the face of gross inequality. With both hope and disappointment, he questions the role of language in both the organization of power structures and the pursuit of autonomy and self-expression. Secure the Base is a compilation of essays spanning nearly three decades. Originating as disparate lectures and texts, this complete volume will remind readers anew of Ngũgĩ’s power and importance. Written in a personal and accessible style, the book covers a range of issues, including the role of the intellectual, the place of Asia in Africa, labour and political struggles in an era of rampant capitalism, and the legacies of slavery and prospects for peace. At a time when Africa looms large in our discussions of globalization, Secure the Base is mandatory reading.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has embarked on a tumultuous journey towards democracy since gaining independence in 1960. The country’s path to democratic governance has been marked by periods of military rule, civil war, and struggles for power, often accompanied by human rights abuses and socio-economic challenges. However, amidst these complexities, there have been shining moments and exemplary individuals who have contributed significantly to the country’s democratic evolution. This compendium brings together a collection of essays, analyses, and reflections on the lives and contributions of individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. These beacons of democracy transformation have demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and commitment to the ideals of good governance, justice, and human dignity. The chapters in this volume highlight the achievements and sacrifices of visionary leaders, activists, scholars, and ordinary citizens who have worked tirelessly to promote democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of individual agency and collective action in shaping the course of history. This compendium is intended to contribute to the ongoing discourse on democracy, governance, and development in Nigeria. It is our hope that the insights and lessons drawn from the experiences of these beacons will inspire a new generation of Nigerians to engage in the democratic process, challenge authoritarianism, and work towards a more just and equitable society. I acknowledge the complexities and challenges that Nigeria faces, but I also recognize the immense potential and resilience of its people. It is my hope that this compendium will stimulate reflection, debate, and action towards building a more democratic, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.

Marayika is a bright, curious, and imaginative little girl growing up in a loving family where children’s rights are respected and everyone supports one another. Though cheerful and hardworking, she carries a secret dream in her heart—to build a spaceship that can reach the stars. Afraid of being judged, Marayika keeps her dream to herself until one day in mathematics class, when her imagination takes over and she begins to draw her spaceship. What follows is a powerful and gentle story about discouragement, resilience, and the importance of believing in children’s potential. When a teacher dismisses her dream as “not for a girl,” Marayika feels deeply hurt, but with the comfort of her mother and renewed determination, she continues to study hard and persevere. Through her journey, young readers witness the impact of encouragement, the value of apology, and the strength of persistence. Marayika’s success at school, her supportive family, and her growing passion for space science inspire children to dream boldly, work diligently, and never give up. Warm, relatable, and uplifting, Marayika’s Dreams reminds parents, teachers, and learners alike that every child’s dream—no matter how big—deserves to be nurtured

This is the second in the MAXIMISING BRAIN POTENTIAL series. The MAXIMISING BRAIN POTENTIAL series is based on the most up-to-date scientific research of how our brain potential can be maximised for habit change, learning, productivity and health. As a psychologist and coach working in organisations worldwide and with individuals, groups and teams, Dr. Celine Mullins – founder of Adaptas – noticed over the past 10 years that very few new discoveries from neuroscience are being integrated into education, learning and development or soft skills programmes. Scientists have made many exciting and ground-breaking discoveries on how the brain learns and changes throughout adulthood. However, much of this recent research from neuroscience, physiology, psychology and more is not being implemented into how we learn as adults. This ebook seeks to change that. This ebook will: Help you to use your brain and body more effectively when learning new skills by offering simple and practical tips; Support you in breaking old habits and creating new ones; Give you great insights into organisational learning and development-related topics that you can easily put into context; Offer you really useful, practical recommendations based on our experience at Adaptas. Guest author, Dr. Richard Roche, on memory. With a Foreword by Leadership & Learning Consultant, Nigel Paine.

Set deep within the lush Buranga forest, The Gorilla’s Family is a heartfelt story about kindness, courage, and the power of friendship between humans and animals. The tale follows Rwemarika, the king of the gorillas, his queen Nyirasaro, and their wise and compassionate daughter, Nyiramwiza, who is loved by all for her gentle spirit, beautiful voice, and open heart. One day, a curious child named Murigo wanders into the forest after hearing enchanting singing. Lost and frightened in the dense woods, he cries for help. Though some gorillas initially react fiercely, Nyiramwiza intervenes with wisdom and empathy, protecting Murigo and welcoming him into their community. What begins as a moment of fear transforms into a joyful encounter filled with dancing, celebration, and understanding. Guided safely back home, Murigo shares his extraordinary experience with his family, inspiring a lasting bond between humans and gorillas. From then on, people and gorillas visit one another, even celebrating new births together. Richly illustrated and culturally resonant, this story teaches young readers about respect for nature, coexistence, and the beauty of compassion across differences.

This book presents an exhaustive analytical history of the great Spanish publishing house Editorial Gustavo Gili, specifically the scientific and technological works in its catalogue that were published during the years of the Franco regime. The history recounted in the book, however, is rather unconventional, a cultural history that analyzes the publishing house through its publications and how they took shape in the hands of the actors involved in their preparation during the different phases of production, promotion, and sales. All these concerns are taken into account in a work that establishes science on paper, examining the myriad issues related to the reception and reading of technical books in Franco’s Spain.

IN THE HOUSE OF THE INTERPRETER chronicles young Ngøgð’s pursuit of education under difficult circumstances. His brother, mother and sister in-law are incarcerated, his home is razed to the ground; he now calls a village near a colonial guard post, home. Though he enjoys life at the prestigious Alliance High School, a dark cloud hangs over him as confrontation with colonial forces looms. Ngøgð interrogates the changes that occur around him and the world beyond, seen sometimes through the eyes of Carey Francis and others at Alliance. The boldness of citizens as confrontations move from the bush, to England and eventually to the streets of Nairobi, in the struggle to free the nation, does escape him either. At the same time, he strives to understand and embrace spirituality. IN THE HOUSE OF THE INTERPRETER is an inspirational read that encourages sincerity, hard work, tenacity of purpose and making the best out of tricky circumstances while letting positive values direct one’s decisions. Ngøgð wa Thiong’o is Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature and English at the University of California, Irvine, and an award winning Kenyan author currently writing primarily in the Gðkøyø language. The author of many novels, plays, short stories, and essays, Ngøgð wa Thiong’o is founder and editor of the online Gðkøyø language journal, Møtiiri and an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

How Do You Say Goodbye? is a gentle, poetic, and emotionally sensitive picture book that helps children understand and express their feelings when parting from someone they love. Told through reflective questions and vivid illustrations, the story follows a child who wakes up wondering how goodbye should be said. As the pages unfold, the child imagines different ways of saying farewell—hiding under the covers, crying alone, offering a warm hug, giving a gift, throwing a tea party, or celebrating with friends in colorful traditional clothes. Some goodbyes are quiet, some are joyful, and others are full of tears and longing. The book carefully shows that there is no single “right” way to say goodbye. Instead, it invites children to honor their emotions, cherish shared memories, and see goodbyes as the beginning of new adventures. Saying goodbye, the story suggests, is also about gratitude, growth, and moving forward with hope. With its rhythmic language and heartfelt imagery, this book supports young readers in building emotional awareness, empathy, and resilience. It is a comforting tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers helping children navigate separation, change, and transitions with courage and kindness.

NGUGI WA THIONG’O is a pioneering writer in the African literary scene. This novel (first published in 1964), made the world realise that writers in Africa were making a fresh and original contribution to world literature. A renowned literary critic world-wide, Ngugi has raised controversy as an advocate for writing in African languages. He has taught literature for many years in universities in both East Africa and North America, and has lectured extensively on writing in Africa and the Caribbean. He is a most versatile writer best known not just for writing novels, but also plays and collections of short stories and essays. Most of his novels are published in the Peak Library. Above all, Njoroge wanted to become educated like the son of the rich farmer, Jacobo, who had finished all the learning in Kenya and would now go to England. Ngotho, Njoroge’s father, worked for Mr. Howlands, the white settler from England, and both, in their different ways, felt the same powerful love for the rich red earth they farmed. At school, Njoroge was good at reading: education was the key to the future. When Jomo was arrested and the Emergency declared, it made very little difference at first— everybody knew Jomo would win. But one day Ngotho was arrested and tortured. Njoroge’s brothers left to go to the big city or to join the freedom fighters in the forest. Gradually all the family was drawn into the struggle and the war became a day-to-day tragedy. ‘This delicate story . . . is a skilful work of art. The writing is terse and well controlled. Most of all it deserves reading for the quality of the language, and the way it is shaped; its artistic success,’ – Time Literary Supplement

Step into the evocative world of Formless, a captivating collection of poetry by Raïs Neza Boneza. Through a tapestry of words, Boneza weaves a profound exploration of life’s intricate beauty and complexity. From the rhythmic pulse of ‘Tunefulness’ to the reflective depths of ‘Verses of the Soul; each poem in this collection invites the reader on a journey of introspection and discovery. Formless transcends boundaries, blending vivid imagery and raw emotion to capture the human experience in its myriad forms. This collection is not just a book of poems; it’s a gateway to a world where every emotion is palpable, and every verse resonates with a truth that is both personal and universal. Perfect for lovers of thoughtful, soul-stirring poetry, Formless is a testament to the power of words to connect, heal, and inspire.

Set in an imaginary new town of Ilmorog along the Trans-Africa Highway, Petals of Blood is Ngũgĩ’s vivid examination of the transforming society against a background of social forces: the changing balance of social forces in the village under a new capitalism; the history of past struggles against colonial domination and oppression; and people’s continuing striving against a more severe and deadly exploitation by an alliance of foreigners and class of newly-propertied Africans.

This book examines the intervention of global elite networks in the context of Ukraine’s EU-IMF deal within the overall ‘Euromaidan moment’ (late 2013–early 2014). It develops an empirically grounded investigation focused on three sets of modalities within the EU-IMF package during this time period – namely, GM agriculture (biotechnology), hydraulic fracking and an internationally enabled regime change – as proposed solutions for urgent problems confronting Ukraine. There is a particular spotlight on the intersections between corporate actors, political players, foundations and think tanks in the reproduction of particular constellations of power between Western (particularly U.S.-based) networks and Ukrainian agents and intermediaries. The complexity of social dynamics allow for multiple forms of power to operate at once in this space of international politics. This book details and analyses how the global elite network operating around Ukraine at this time produced the three unusual outcomes associated with the agreed EU-IMF policy agenda (GM agriculture, fracking and a regime change). It contributes to the analysis of how global elite networks operate and power works in international relations, and also enhances how the tumultuous politics of Ukraine in the current century are understood. The subject of this book is fairly controversial and is a high-profile current political problem. Looking at these issues through the analytical framework of social networks brings forward a welcomed investigation into agency in international studies. The attention to personal and political ties of mutual interdependence differs from more commonly used mainstream accounts of global politics that rely on ‘US versus Russia’ narratives or on corporate elites pursuing business deals. This book shows how close ties of social acquaintance and political-economic compacts prove crucial to understanding how the key issue areas evolved. This book advances the understanding of how power works in international politics, showing how it is built through different forms. It also advances the understanding of how global elite networks are formed and operate, along with specific investigation into the importance of gatekeepers, and thus explains the international political economy of Ukraine at a key moment and should prove invaluable to many academic and popular explanations.

It was an ordinary spring. The grass grew thick outside my window. Grandpa unzipped the army sleeping bag, and spread it on the lawn. He listened to the test cricket scores, hum on a small battery radio. Gran-in-durban shelled the peas, an enamel basin on her lap. She looked up at me, quizzically, through her pointy reading glasses. Behind her the sprinkler twisted its copper hip across the vegetable patch – carrots and lettuces, blinked

I, Robert’s Robot and Other Stories is a collection of riveting short stories that is a potpourri of well-crafted stories, some literary, some speculative. In the titular story, a scientist named Robert constructs an android to assist him at home. But to his chagrin and utter disbelief, the robot develops human qualities, seeks revenge and kills his girlfriend. In another story titled “Princess Always”, two Nigerian undergraduates travel to Hollywood to voice a cartoon character but end up being accused of being masterminds of the September 2001 bombing in America. This is a book that lingers in the memory long after it’s dropped. It’s a book that keeps giving.

Ethiopian Aliens, being my first anthology to be published, is a book based on African integrity, origins, value, culture and also love. It was inspired by a lot of different emotions on different levels, different times. After doing a little digging I have always been a fan of our own African history and as I went through searching I also noticed that Africans have always been a subject to being inferior to other races and considered Aliens which I later discovered that to some extent we have accepted as the norm. We became subject to wanting to look more like the other races. Though this book is not based on racism, it’s just to enlighten and brings out the beauty in being whatever skin colour. As you will notice I do speak on a lot of issues that affect us as a people. Most of these pieces were written in-between the years 2018 to 2023; It is a compilation of what transpired in between those years, some being written from my own experiences.

Independent Bwiza is an inspiring and empowering story about confidence, perseverance, and the journey toward independence. Bwiza is a thoughtful, determined young girl who is blind and uses a white cane to navigate her world. One day, while revising her lessons at home, she asks her mother if she can go to school alone. Though her mother is worried, Bwiza is confident in her abilities and determined to prove that she can do things by herself. To test her readiness, Bwiza’s mother asks her to fetch tomatoes from the living room. Using her memory and awareness of her surroundings, Bwiza successfully completes the task, showing that she understands her environment and can move independently. Still hesitant, her mother agrees to walk with her to school—on the condition that she will not guide her like a child. Along the way, Bwiza faces challenges, but she remains calm, focused, and resilient. With each step, she demonstrates courage and self-belief. Eventually, her mother gains trust in her abilities and allows her to go to school alone. Warmly illustrated and deeply motivating, this book celebrates inclusion, trust, and the strength of children with disabilities. It encourages young readers to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and pursue independence with confidence.

An Autobiography: Aviator Par Excellence tells the story of my journey from humble beginnings to serving at influential decision-making levels within the aviation industry, both locally and internationally. The chapters chronicle the mentorship that shaped me, the challenges and detours along the way, and the sense of purpose that kept me moving forward. My life story is grounded in discipline, faith, determination, intentional focus, and excellence.

In Dreams in a Time of War, Ngugi delicately and movingly narrates the story of his childhood, capturing the landscape, the people, and their culture; the social and political changes and problems of life under colonialism and war; and the troubled relationship between an emerging Christianised middle class and the rural poor. He also shows how the Mau Mau armed struggle for Kenya’s independence against the British informed not only his own life but also the lives of those closest to him. Dreams in a Time of War is an inspirational piece of work that encourages the reader to dream even in the worst of times.

In the beautiful Garden of Mbuto, all the fruits live together in harmony—until one day, pride sparks a lively debate. Each fruit begins to boast about its importance, arguing that it is more valuable than the others. Orange claims to be the greatest because its sweet juice is loved by everyone. Lemon counters that its bitter juice is powerful, used for medicine and skin care. Papaya speaks of how it helps babies with digestion, while Mango insists it is essential for school children because it fights hunger. Banana proudly declares that it is loved by all ages. Soon, Passion fruit, Tamarillo, Pineapple, Berries, Grapes, and even Sugarcane join the discussion, each highlighting their unique benefits. The garden grows noisy with competing voices—until the wise Vine, the king of the garden, gently listens and offers a thoughtful conclusion. Rather than choosing a winner, the Vine reminds them that their true strength lies in working together, complementing one another, and celebrating their differences. Through colorful characters and playful dialogue, this story teaches young children about respect, cooperation, and the value of diversity. It encourages readers to appreciate that everyone has a special role to play and that together, we are stronger and more useful.

This study concerns a the dark, sensorial epistemologies emerging from intersections of documentary and horror cinema. From the ineffable subjects of horror documentaries and pseudo-documentaries, to the obsessive chroniclers of mockumentary horror cinema, the films examined here express generalized millennial and 21st-century archival anxiety around an unsettled and unsettling hypermediated reality. Part I focuses on gothumentaries, nonfiction works evoking the Gothic’s unreadable subjects and undetected realities. Case studies show key documentary films such as Capturing the Friedmans, Cropsey, and The Hellstrom Chronicle bringing Gothic-horror tropes and conventions to bear upon documentary subject matter to produce skepticism of American environmental, social, and national stability from the 1970s onward. Part II explores mockumentary, fake found-footage, and screen life horror cinema that turns to strategies of documentary and factual discourse to express an archival anxiety around human interaction with recording technologies. Case studies of pivotal films such as The Blair Witch Project, Diary of the Dead, Lake Mungo, Unfriended, Sickhouse, and We Are All Going to the World’s Fair turn to Gothic reflexivity as a way of expressing the subject’s relationship to, and experience of, a modernity that overwhelms in terms of its immensity, speed, and recordability.

The book addresses current housing affordability challenges and presents innovative planning and design strategies for contemporary communities and homes that are both livable and affordable. Written by a team of a planner and an architect, each of the book’s chapters stands for a subject in the design process moving from urban scale to that of a home and includes richly illustrated case studies that inspire and inform the design. By exploring the role of livability in the design process, the book presents methods of fostering community resilience and opportunity.

A collection of poetry that delves into variegated and multifaceted issues, touching on themes such as the historical significance of poetry and the role of poets as interpreters of divine will, the connection between humanity and the natural world, the impact of love and loneliness, and the complexities and complications of pain, sorrow, and life’s uncertainties.

FRONTIERS: WILD, SEMI-WILD, HUMAN…. A photographic Novel, is a book of photographs I have taken or worked on over a period of 6 years from 2012 to 2017. I love the concept of writing a novel through photography and that’s why I called this book of photographs a photographic novel, for there is a strong narrative dimension in these photographs that creates visual literature. And this narrative link, for a good part, points to the content in the images. They are three countries where I took these photos from; Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa, three neighbours who share borders, languages, cultures, fauna, flora, etc, joined by a bond as old as creation, itself. I decided to work from the wild, to the semi wild, to human, exploring frontiers in these worlds, juxtaposing these worlds, one against the other or all three together in a photo, sometimes obsessively focusing on a single spot, repetitively creating different story strands from that one place, and then combine photography with other visual art medias like painting and drawing thus creating entirely different artworks. It is the essence of my work, to operate at the limit between natural and human landscapes, reality and fiction, nature and humanity, by bestowing an actual dimension to the utopian. The photographs are a celebration of this.

This edited volume explores the sociology of Lefebvre and its continuing relevance for the discipline today. Contributors explore the sociological Lefebvre across a number of topics, including the influence of Marxism, rural sociology, everyday life, the urban and violence, to name a few. The volume sets out a new agenda for Lefebvrian sociological inquiry which, inter alia, focuses on sociological perspectives on rhythm, embodiment and utopian thought in Lefebvre’s work for sociological research. It brings together leading experts whose work on Lefebvre has shaped the discipline and is the first comprehensive volume outlining Lefebvre’s relevance to sociology.

“Sean MacGinty’s debut collection contains poems that have a strong rhythmic flow, a vivid sense of place, in particular the evocations between South Africa and South America, and some penetrating comment about the way people live their lives. The poems communicate a very personal overview of his own experiences and insights, with subtlety, clarity and controlled emotion. It is an accomplished debut; a very unified though varied collection with great lyricism and descriptive power.” Michael King

The Weaverbird and the Swallow is a charming and thoughtful fable about pride, creativity, and the beauty of difference. When the confident weaverbird boasts that he is the better singer and the swift swallow insists she is faster, a wise tortoise encourages them to compete fairly—on the same task. The two birds decide to build houses, each using their own skills and preferred materials. The swallow carefully shapes her nest from smooth mud, while the weaverbird intricately weaves a large, impressive nest from dry grasses. Curious and patient, the tortoise is invited to judge their work. To the surprise of both birds, he praises each house for its uniqueness and tells them that they are both the best—unless they wish to be second. This gentle verdict helps the birds reflect on their abilities and appreciate one another. As they go on to find food—rice for the swallow and sorghum for the weaver—they return happily to their homes, realizing that their different talents make them stronger together. The story ends with friendship, collaboration, and harmony, teaching young readers the value of respect, cooperation, and celebrating diversity rather than competing for superiority.

CONCRETE is a collection of about ninety strong worded poems and articles. It goes for the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is a book of praise to the worthy. A collection of admonition to the crazy. A note of prayer for the weary. A letter of condolence to the mourning. A scroll of remembrance to the forgotten. A chronicle of warning to the straying. And a whole lot more to the reader and everyone.