Aimé Césaire is arguably the best-known poet in the French Caribbean. His poetry and drama have established his formidable reputation as the leading francophone poet and elder statesman of the twentieth century. In this study Gregson Davis examines the evolution of Césaire's poetic career and his involvement with many of the most seminal political and aesthetic movements of the twentieth century. Davis relates Césaire's extraordinary dual career as writer and elected politician to the recurrent themes in his writings. As one of the most profound critics of colonialism, Césaire, the acknowledged inventor of the famous term 'negritude', has been a hugely influential figure in shaping the contemporary discourse on the postcolonial predicament. Gregson Davis's account of Césaire's intellectual growth is grounded in a careful reading of the poetry, prose and drama that illustrates the full range and depth of his literary achievement.

"Highly recommended for collections supporting advanced studies of Francophone or Caribbean literature." R. Ocasio, Choice

"Aimé Céaire offers a quick review of the scholarship and interpretations of the works and then makes its own original synthesis or reading, taking advantage of the most recent developments. It can serve as a perfect introduction to this major poet and father of `Negritude' and should be in all libraries." Hal Wylie, World Literature Today