Jean Boyd

Jean Boyd is former Principal Research Fellow of the Sokoto History Bureau and Research Associate of the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. She is the author of One Woman's Jihad, The Caliph's Sister...

Beverly B. Mack

Collected Works of Nana Asma'u, Daughter of Usman 'dan Fodiyo (1793-1864)

 Edited by

Jean Boyd

Beverly B. Mack

Nana Asma'u Bint Usman 'dan Fodio, a nineteenth-century Muslim scholar, lived in the region now known as northern Nigeria and was an eyewitness to battles of the largest of the West-African jihads of the era. The preparation and conduct of the jihad provide the topics for Nana Asma'u's poetry. Her work also includes treatises on history, law, mysticism, theology, and politics, and was heavily influenced by the Arabic poetic tradition.

This volume contains annotated translations of works by the 19th century intellectual giant, Nana Asma'u, including 54 poems and prose texts. Asma'u rallied public opinion behind a movement devoted to the revival of Islam in West Africa, and organized a public education system for women.

Reviews

"...fluently and readably translated...herculean, with additional aids being provided through glossaries of terms, place names...extensive bibliography and six maps....a major conbtribution...."
- Graham Furniss, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

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