"[... A] portrait of 20th-century Ethiopian writers and an in-depth analysis of the history of the development of Amharic literature and those who have shaped it. The range of writers covered varies from the aristocrats, educators, and pioneers to the latest revolutionary writers. A vivid picture of the personal development and progress of these writers is given, as well as the impact they have had on Ethiopian social, and political systems. All in all, this volume presents the portraits and sketches of thirty-two Ethiopian writers and lexicographers, including such notable literary giants as Hiruy Welde-Sillase, Girmacchew Tekle-Hawariyat, Kebbede Mikael, Haddis Alemayyehu, Abbe Gubennya, Mammo Widdineth, Tseggaye Gebre-Medhin, Mengistu Lemma, Dannyachew Werqu, Birhanu Zerihun, and Ethiopia's foremost writer, the late Be'alu Girma, who was executed by the former military regime - the Dergue - for his critical novel 'Oromai' -- Back cover.