Mister Johnson
Penguin 1st Edition, published 1962.
Originally published in 1939, this novel presents British colonialism through the lens of an exceedingly chipper Nigerian clerk, trapped in limbo between the ruling English and the noneducated natives. Johnson imagines himself to be a very important cog of the King's government. He is amusingly tolerant of his fellow Africans, thinking them uncivilized; he is obsessed with the idea of bringing "civilization" to this small jungle station. At the outset, it can appear Joyce Cary is sketching a caricature of Uncle Tom. Mr. Johnson is shrewd, however. As we come to know him we gain insight into how African people came to gain a grip on their own lands and how Britain began to lose its grip.
Condition grading: Good. Some minor creasing and minor wear to teanned spine. Usual page tanning for age. Binding tight. The photographs form part of the description.
Penguin 1st Edition, published 1962.
Originally published in 1939, this novel presents British colonialism through the lens of an exceedingly chipper Nigerian clerk, trapped in limbo between the ruling English and the noneducated natives. Johnson imagines himself to be a very important cog of the King's government. He is amusingly tolerant of his fellow Africans, thinking them uncivilized; he is obsessed with the idea of bringing "civilization" to this small jungle station. At the outset, it can appear Joyce Cary is sketching a caricature of Uncle Tom. Mr. Johnson is shrewd, however. As we come to know him we gain insight into how African people came to gain a grip on their own lands and how Britain began to lose its grip.
Condition grading: Good. Some minor creasing and minor wear to teanned spine. Usual page tanning for age. Binding tight. The photographs form part of the description.
Penguin 1st Edition, published 1962.
Originally published in 1939, this novel presents British colonialism through the lens of an exceedingly chipper Nigerian clerk, trapped in limbo between the ruling English and the noneducated natives. Johnson imagines himself to be a very important cog of the King's government. He is amusingly tolerant of his fellow Africans, thinking them uncivilized; he is obsessed with the idea of bringing "civilization" to this small jungle station. At the outset, it can appear Joyce Cary is sketching a caricature of Uncle Tom. Mr. Johnson is shrewd, however. As we come to know him we gain insight into how African people came to gain a grip on their own lands and how Britain began to lose its grip.
Condition grading: Good. Some minor creasing and minor wear to teanned spine. Usual page tanning for age. Binding tight. The photographs form part of the description.
