The Woodstock Sandal and Further Steps reveals the growth of a poet's mind is inseparable from where, when, and with whom these poems take place over fifty years' time. Joining poetic line and story line, lyric and length, autobiography and cultural history, The Woodstock Sandal and Further Steps, like all great poetry, takes steps never taken before.
Oncludes writing by Charles Cantalupo spanning roughly twenty-five years. Chronologically, it begins in 1993 with the first time he interviews Ngugi wa Thiong'o and ends in 2016, when Cantalupo last interviews him. In between, the decades reveal Cantalupo as a writer moving from a primarily Euro-American literary and cultural viewpoint to a continuum with African literatures and languages. Compelled by their power and their translation, he becomes deeply engaged with Eritrea, while also probing the process of translation itself.
Blending poetry and translation, this work offers a unique exploration of Eritrea through Charles Cantalupo's personal journey and his translations of local poets. The collection features evocative imagery by Lawrence Sykes, enhancing the reflective and epic nature of the text. Cantalupo's authentic voice captures the essence of Eritrean experiences, making the poems both memorable and impactful.
Focusing on contemporary Eritrean poetry from the late 20th century, this book highlights works from the anthology "Who Needs a Story?" which features poems in Tigrinya, Tigre, and Arabic, alongside English translations. It marks the first comprehensive study of Eritrean poetry, emphasizing the poets' roles as freedom fighters or supporters during the Eritrean struggle for independence. The collection explores themes of war and peace, often intertwined, and includes an in-depth analysis of renowned poet Reesom Haile, along with the author's personal journey in translating Eritrean poetry.