“These heroic legends re-create the events and annals of the kingdom of Segu and of the Bambara tribe that formed a series of important city-states along the Niger River during the seventeenth century. The deeds of kings, the exploits of warriors, the sorcery of magicians, and battles against invaders are among the subjects addressed in this fascinating example of folk history.”—Booklist 

“The stories, transmitted orally, were narrated by the ‘djeli,’ traditional keepers of the history of ruling families of the kingdoms that once flourished in the Western Sudan. They speak of valor, honor, intrigues, and rivalries between powerful chiefs; they also include some reactions to the colonial encounters.... A welcome addition to the growing literature in African oral history.”—Library Journal 

“Certainly the best English-language rendition of the art of the Mandebard. Unlike ‘classroom translations,’ which are now as numerous as they are unreadable, this book presents a clean, exquisite, and flowing translation that reads naturally.... Scholars, students, and lay persons should benefit a great deal from reading this beautiful collection of eleven voluptuous stories. Courlander and Sako have produced an outstanding work of translation and an original piece of literature.”—African Arts 

“Courlander is a recognized authority on [African] epic and folklore, and he provides a very thorough and readable introduction to the history of the Segu empire.... Students and the general public will find this collection informative, interesting, and easy to read.”—CHOICE