Es'kia Mphahlele

Es'kia Mphahlele, born Ezekiel Mphahlele on December 17, 1919, and passed away on October 27, 2008, was a prominent South African writer, educator, artist, and activist. He is known for his influential autobiography, 'Down Second Avenue' (1959), and his numerous works that explore the themes of apartheid, African identity, and the human condition. Mphahlele's literary and academic career spanned several decades, during which he received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to literature and education. He lived in exile for many years due to his opposition to apartheid before returning to South Africa after its dismantlement.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Down Second Avenue

    "Down Second Avenue" is a semi-autobiographical account of a black man's life under apartheid in South Africa. The narrative chronicles the protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood, detailing his experiences with poverty, discrimination, and the struggle for education. Despite the harsh realities of life under apartheid, the protagonist's resilience and determination shine through, offering a poignant and powerful critique of the socio-political realities of the time.