The Jahn Library for African Literatures is associated with the Department of Anthropology and African Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University. It has a unique stock of literary works by African writers in over ninety languages, including the former colonial languages as well as a very large number of African languages.
In addition to classics from the various literary traditions of Africa, the collection includes international, contemporary bestsellers, as well as numerous lesser known, locally produced works, translations, comics, screen adaptations and audio books. The collection is supplemented by extensive secondary literature and magazines and has a total of around 20,000 objects. Many of the collected books are also interesting as objects, e.g. as first editions of now important works or as copies with handwritten dedications by authors, but also with regard to what their design reveals about the context of each publication.
The Jahn Library for African Literature was created from the private collection of Janheinz Jahn (1918-1973), whose interest in African literature was sparked in 1951 at a lecture by the Senegalese poet and statesman Léopold Sédar Senghor in Frankfurt. This interest which manifested itself in the collection that grew steadily over the subsequent decades, was combined with activities as a translator, editor, author, and freelance journalist, through which Jahn made a significant contribution to the public perception of African literature, especially in Germany, but also worldwide. After his death, Jahn's collection was made accessible to the public in early 1975 at the Department of Anthropology and African Studies and has been steadily expanding since then.
The Jahn library is housed in the Law and Economics Library.
Due to its linguistic diversity and historical depth, the Jahn Library is unique in the world as a collection and of outstanding scientific importance. It is used by international researchers as well as students.
The Jahn Library occasionally organizes international Janheinz Jahn symposiums on central topics in African literary studies and, in this context, invites participants to readings by African writers.
From the Collection
Ansichtssache!
Oríkì Poems
