Bloomsbury Sorcery, Totem, and Jihad in African Philosophy (Suspensions: Contemporary Middle Eastern and Islamicate Thought)

Product Description In this significant new work in African philosophy, Christopher Wise explores deconstructions historical indebtedness to Egypto-African civilization and its relevance in Islamicate Africa today. He does so by comparing deconstructive and African thought on the spoken utterance, nothingness, conjuration, the oath or vow, occult sorcery, blood election, violence, circumcision, totemic inscription practices, animal metamorphosis and sacrifice, the Abrahamic, fratricide, and jihad. Situated against the backdrop of the Ansar Dines recent jihad in Northern Mali, Sorcery, Totem and Jihad in African Philosophy examines the root causes of the conflict and offers insight into the Sahels ancient, complex, and vibrant civilization. This book also demonstrates the relevance of deconstructive thought in the African setting, especially the writing of the Franco-Algerian philosopher Jacques Derrida. Review Sorcery, Totem, and Jihad in African Philosophy offers a unique synthesis of Derrida and Sahelian politics, economics, culture, and philosophy that is highly productive and inviting. Wise's book is both timely and the product of his sustained work in this field, and it contains exciting new approaches to Islam in Africa.I am very impressed with this book's scope and depth. Linking Derrida to Sahelian philosophical traditions is brilliant. I have followed the author's work for many years and the materials presented are extremely exciting. His scholarship is first rate and his devotion to the study of Sahelian philosophy is enviable.This book is a major contribution to West African studies from a well-known scholar and translator of Sahelian literature. The author demonstrates a thoughtful appreciation of the region's ancient cultural history, which is connected to philosophical themes originating in the ancient Egyptian, Abrahamic, and Hellenic contexts. It is a stelar and welcome contribution to African Studies, particularly the study of West African literature, culture, religion, and philosophy.Andrew Hageman, Assistant Professor of English, Luther College, USA About the Author Christopher Wise is a Professor in the English Department at Western Washington University, USA. A four-time Fulbright scholar, Professor Wise has lectured in universities and embassies throughout Africa and the Middle East. From 2001 through 2003, Professor Wise taught at the University of Jordan, Amman, developing programs in American Studies and Islamic Studies. Prior to that, he taught on a Fulbright Award at the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.