"Demonstrating the resilience and currency of Léopold Sédar Senghor's singular genius, this important collection represents the key philosophical, poetic, and existential moments in the long life of the poet-president and pillar of the Négritude movement. The translation of these essays into English could not have come at a better time, when the challenges of democracy and sustainable development are at the center of debates in Africa."-- Manthia Diawara, author of , African Film: New Forms of Aesthetics and Politics "Léopold Sédar Senghor's prose, political and philosophical essays, and social commentary have been long neglected. This volume provides insight into Senghor's political thought and his political life as president of newly independent Senegal--the poet as statesman. Scholars of African and African Diaspora studies, colonialism and postcolonialism, and Francophone studies will overwhelming welcome this book."-- Donna Jones, author of , The Racial Discourses of Life Philosophy: Négritude, Vitalism, and Modernity "Ripert's book not only honors the legacy of Senghor, but also attests to the enduring global interest he continues to inspire, particularly beyond the boundaries of the Francophone world and strictly cultural discourse."-- Francois H. Manga , Contemporary Political Theory.