عنوان

Claude McKay :

TLets301768

Claude McKay :

[Thesis]

James, Winston Anthony.

a political portrait in his Jamaican and American contexts 1890-1920.

London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)

1993

Ph.D.

London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)

1993

Claude McKay (1890-1948) is best known as a major figureof the Harlem Renaissance and a pioneer of Caribbeanliterature. He is less well known as a political thinker andactivist.This thesis undertakes three tasks. First, it providesa detailed presentation of Claude McKay's political ideas andpractices over time. Second, it critically engages withthese. And finally, in the process, debunks and challenges anumber of pervasive misconceptions of McKayfs politics.Although the analysis covers the period 1890 to 1920, itnevertheless is based upon the entire corpus of McKay's work- published and unpublished - from his early writings inJamaica to those up to his death in 1948. His preoccupationsand thought are placed within their historical context. Thethesis thus draws upon his non-fiction texts, poetry, novels,short stories, journalism, unfinished manuscripts andcorrespondence. In the process, it demonstrates that McKaywas a major political thinker, that his ideas have remarkableresonance today, especially in the United States, and thatthey are still relevant to contemporary black politics,particularly to those of the African diaspora.All in all, the thesis is a contribution to a betterunderstanding of a remarkable man and outstanding figure ofthe African diaspora.

Caribbean literature; Harlem renaissance

James, Winston Anthony.

London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y