The books I shared earlier this week were focused on the preservation of epic tradition and performance in Africa, but this book goes in a different direction: it is a book of loving interpretation of the epic stories, and within an American, and specifically African American, context. If you have never read this book, read it. The stories that Ford presents, the way that he tells them, and the interpretations that he offers are both brilliant and inspiring.
As Clyde explains, he reads a story three different ways, layer by layer: the story itself, then looking for the story's mythic dimensions, and then looking for the meaning of the story in the context of human life and his own life experience. It's a powerful strategy, and I especially like the way that Ford presents the stories of the epic heroes in segments, helping readers to pause, reflect, and engage with the story episode by episode. We need books like this for all the mythologies of the world, and we are especially fortunate to have a book like this available for African myths.
In terms of life and life experience, Ford has also published a memoir: Think Black. This book is not available at Internet Archive (yet!), but you can find out more about that book and about Clyde Ford at the publisher's website:
You can also find out more at Clyde Ford's own website: ClydeFord.com. Plus you can listen to Ford talking about the book here at the Town Hall Seattle: Science series.
Clyde Ford is an amazing thinker and writer, and I would urge everyone to read his books: highly HIGHLY recommended!
by Clyde Ford
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