Jared Angira and the List of His Books
Jared Angira, a Kenyan poet, dedicated to career life to Kenyan civil service.
Jared Angira, the Kenyan poet, was born in 1947 and pursued studies in commerce at the University of Nairobi. During his time there, he also served as the editor of the journal Busara. Much of his professional life has been dedicated to the Kenyan civil service. Angira’s literary endeavors have yielded seven volumes of poetry, including – Juices (1970), Silent Voices (1972), Soft Corals(1973), Cascades (1979), The Years Go By (1980), and Tides of Time: Selected Poems (1996).
His poetic prowess has been recognized by luminaries such as Wole Soyinka, who hailed him, and Ezenwa-Ohaeto, who lauded him as “one of the most exciting poets in Africa.”
Despite such acclaim, Angira, like many of his contemporaries, has not always received the critical recognition commensurate with his talent. His work, characterized by deep meditation, may appear deceptively simple, with his choice of words occasionally contrasting with the gravity of his themes.
Identifying as a Marxist poet, Angira once declared, “Karl Marx is my teacher; Pablo Neruda my class prefect (when I am in the classroom) and my captain (when I am on the battlefield).” His poetry reflects a keen concern for social injustice in post-independence society, echoing the sentiments of his fellow Kenyan, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, in his critique of political and social developments in Kenya.
Jared Angira’s poetry is renowned for its emotional depth and its engagement with socio-political themes, often reflecting the difficulties of life in post-independence Kenya. His works are a testament to his keen observation and ability to twine personal and collective narratives into compelling poetic expressions.
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Here are a few books written by Jared Angira :
Juices (1970):
Angira’s debut collection introduces readers to his poetic voice, which brims with introspection and keen observation. Through vivid portrayal of emotive language, he explores themes of identity, love, and societal change.
Silent Voices (1972):
In this volume, Angira sheds light on the entanglement of human emotion and experience. Through evocative verses, he grips silence and the unspoken narratives that shape our lives.
Soft Corals (1973):
Building upon the themes explored in his earlier works, Angira’s “Soft Corals” invites readers into a world of delicate beauty and quiet relentlessness.
Cascades (1979):
This collection marks a turning point in Angira’s poetic journey as he confronts the socio-political landscape of post-independence Kenya. Through powerful imagery and sharp reflections, he sheds light on the struggles and aspirations of his people.
The Years Go By (1980):
Reflecting on the passage of time, Angira’s poetry in this volume is imbued with nostalgia and introspection.
Tides of Time: Selected Poems (1996):
As a retrospective compilation of Angira’s finest works, “Tides of Time”, showcases the breadth and depth of his poetic vision. “Tides of Time” spans decades of creative output; this volume is a testament to his enduring influence on African literature.
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