Gerald Moore has taught at universities in various parts of Africa and Hong Kong. His publications include Wole Soyinka (1978) and Twelve African Writers (1984) and three earlier editions of the present anthology. Uli Beier is the director of art and research centres in Papua-New Guinea, Nigeria and at the University of Beyreuth (Bavaria). His publications include Art in Nigeria 1960 (1960) and West African Mud Sculpture (1962).

"Freshness, passion, spontaneity, sensuousness are not common qualities in poetry today . . . but they are to be found in abundance among African poets of the last few decades."-The Daily Telegraph, London "Africa is producing some of the most original and exciting poetry now being written anywhere in the world."-Edward Blishen