AimÉ CÉsaire (1913–2008) was a Martinican poet, critic, essayist, playwright, and statesman; a founder of the NÉgritude movement; and one of the most influential Francophone Caribbean intellectuals of the twentieth century.N. Gregson Davis is Andrew W. Mellon Distinguished Research Professor in the Humanities at Duke University.F. Abiola Irele (1936–2017) was Associate of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University and had previously taught at the University of Ibadan, Ohio State University, Harvard University, and Kwara State University.

"Davis has not merely translated a great work of modernist poetry and an essential document in postcolonial history; he has created a present-day source of timely dissent." - David B. Hobbs (The Nation) "This is the best poem ever written." - Juliana Spahr (Artforum) "This edition is without a doubt destined to become a point of reference for every reader of the book as well as for those who dedicate their research to the work of AimÉ CÉsaire, and well beyond the English-speaking world." (translated from the French) - Giuseppe Sofo (Études Littéraires Africaines) "Unparalleled in mid-20th century French literature. . . ." - Tim Keane (Hyperallergic)

• Editor's Preface / F. Abiola Irele  ixTranslator's Preface / N. Gregson Davis  xiIntroduction  1Journal of a Homecoming / Cahier d'un retour au pays natal  75Commentary and Notes  151Bibliography  295

AimÉ CÉsaire (1913–2008) was a Martinican poet, critic, essayist, playwright, and statesman; a founder of the NÉgritude movement; and one of the most influential Francophone Caribbean intellectuals of the twentieth century.N. Gregson Davis is Andrew W. Mellon Distinguished Research Professor in the Humanities at Duke University.F. Abiola Irele (1936–2017) was Associate of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University and had previously taught at the University of Ibadan, Ohio State University, Harvard University, and Kwara State University.

"Davis has not merely translated a great work of modernist poetry and an essential document in postcolonial history; he has created a present-day source of timely dissent." - David B. Hobbs (The Nation) "This is the best poem ever written." - Juliana Spahr (Artforum) "This edition is without a doubt destined to become a point of reference for every reader of the book as well as for those who dedicate their research to the work of AimÉ CÉsaire, and well beyond the English-speaking world." (translated from the French) - Giuseppe Sofo (Études Littéraires Africaines) "Unparalleled in mid-20th century French literature. . . ." - Tim Keane (Hyperallergic)

• Editor's Preface / F. Abiola Irele  ixTranslator's Preface / N. Gregson Davis  xiIntroduction  1Journal of a Homecoming / Cahier d'un retour au pays natal  75Commentary and Notes  151Bibliography  295

AimÉ CÉsaire (1913–2008) was a Martinican poet, critic, essayist, playwright, and statesman; a founder of the NÉgritude movement; and one of the most influential Francophone Caribbean intellectuals of the twentieth century.N. Gregson Davis is Andrew W. Mellon Distinguished Research Professor in the Humanities at Duke University.F. Abiola Irele (1936–2017) was Associate of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University and had previously taught at the University of Ibadan, Ohio State University, Harvard University, and Kwara State University.

"Davis has not merely translated a great work of modernist poetry and an essential document in postcolonial history; he has created a present-day source of timely dissent." - David B. Hobbs (The Nation) "This is the best poem ever written." - Juliana Spahr (Artforum) "This edition is without a doubt destined to become a point of reference for every reader of the book as well as for those who dedicate their research to the work of AimÉ CÉsaire, and well beyond the English-speaking world." (translated from the French) - Giuseppe Sofo (Études Littéraires Africaines) "Unparalleled in mid-20th century French literature. . . ." - Tim Keane (Hyperallergic)

• Editor's Preface / F. Abiola Irele  ixTranslator's Preface / N. Gregson Davis  xiIntroduction  1Journal of a Homecoming / Cahier d'un retour au pays natal  75Commentary and Notes  151Bibliography  295