Secure the Base

‘Secure the Base is full of hidden connections. Born in 1938, Ngũgĩ is one of Africa’s most venerable literary figures. In this short, tightly argued collection of lectures and essays, he writes with the aim of "making Africa visible in the world" by tracing the lattice of political and moral ties that stretch across the globe and back to Africa.’ —The Independent

‘This book does not only add to the fodder of literature in the area of global relations, it is a timely intervention that challenges the status quo and calls attention to alternatives in resetting global relations. But as is mostly the case, those who act on behalf of our nations are not necessarily the ones who read these materials. If only they would, they might be inspired to act—a stitch in time can save nine.’ —African Studies Quarterly

‘Wa Thiong’o is the person many believe should have won [the 2016 Nobel] [. . .] Wa Thing’o’s anger at the British moral hypocrisy is conveyed through characteristically elegant and restrained prose [. . .] Wa Thiong’o’s vision is beautiful and inspiring.’ —Times Literary Supplement

‘Secure the Base consists of nearly thirty years of reflection by one of the most influential African writers of our time. It is a short but dense collection of seven essays, based on some of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s most thought-provoking lectures. The book tackles a wide range of issues, such as the continued importance of looking into slavery, colonialism, and neocolonialism by tying them to economic dependence and global inequality.’ —African Studies Review