The National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) says a signed copy of one of the first books written by the late Dr Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley has been discovered at a second-hand book sale in the United Kingdom (UK).
The book titled ‘Anancy Stories and Jamaica Dialect Poems’, which was written in 1944 and holds some of the first poems penned by the cultural icon, was unearthed in a fundraising book sale organised by the 1st Broomfield Scout Group (founded in 1918) led by Roger Cole and his wife Sue, NLJ said in a release today.
“When we found the book, rather than selling it, we did some research and contacted the National Library of Jamaica immediately” Cole was quoted as saying.
NLJ said an official handing-over ceremony was held at the office of the Jamaican High Commission in London on May 29.
The collection features ‘Anancy’, the trickster spider-man who was imported from the Ashanti tribe of West Africa, by slaves, and is here reflected with the Jamaican twists to his legends.
Anancy became emblematic of the trials and triumphs of the African descendants in Jamaica.
National Librarian and CEO of the NLJ, Beverley Lashley, expressed her delight at the find saying that, “We at the NLJ are all about building the national collection, and we are truly ecstatic that the NLJ will have this treasure to share with Jamaicans and the world.”
The NLJ said it is proud to bring home one of the works of “Jamaica’s Queen of Comedy” and cultural icon, Miss Lou to its rightful home at the National Library of Jamaica.
You must log in to post a comment.