A Dying Colonialism

Frantz Fanon’s “The Wretched of the Earth” helped to ignite the global explosion against Western colonialism, and marked a major turning-point in the growing self-awareness of the Third World. In “A Dying Colonialism” Fanon focuses attention upon one typical liberation struggle, and shows how guerrillas, by resisting oppression, define themselves and create a new kind of society. It is the fifth year of the Algerian Revolution, and French colonialism is dying. Throughout the struggle Fanon has worked as a psychiatrist at Blida Hospital. He notes that even in hospital the colonial situation distorts relationships (between doctor and patient) and he contrasts this with the idealism and dedication of the Resistance. In the people’s conflict age-old traditions and taboos are reassessed. The veil takes on a new meaning. The family structure shifts. Attitudes towards new cultural forces, such as the radio, are clarified. And Fanon shows with startling originality how a new socialist nation emerges, united in will and transformed in purpose.

Published 1970, Pelican Book.

Binding of book is tight. Marks of wear and tear around edges of covers, also a scratch running across back cover of book. Tanning around edges of book, with very little foxing. Price in pencil on first page of book. Tanning of margins of pages, otherwise in good condition.