Reader in English Literature Stephanie Newell sku-305981879

Reader in English Literature Stephanie Newell sku-305981879 is an African History Books listing for the hardcover The Forger's Tale: The Search for Odeziaku, in the New African Histories series. Newell follows English novelist and poet John Moray Stuart-Young (1881-1939), who left Manchester for West Africa to escape the homophobic prejudices of late-Victorian society.

He had a criminal record for forgery and embezzlement and was known as a “spirit rapper.” In Nigeria, he became a wealthy palm oil trader and a celebrated author known as “Odeziaku.” The book considers his standing among people in Onitsha, Eastern Nigeria, where he was seen between 1905 and 1939.

Drawing on queer theory, African gender debates, and new imperial history, Newell examines imperialism, sexuality, and nonelite culture from the 1880s to the late 1930s. She also discusses West African cultural production under colonialism, public debates about sexuality and ethics, and movements in mainstream English literature.