Anthologising South African poetry: historical trends and future directions

ABSTRACTThis article provides an overview of South African English poetry anthologies from their beginning in the 1820s to the present day, though with a particular emphasis on contemporary work. It begins by tracing the background of the most significant anthologies over the years, before discussing some of the theoretical issues involved in compiling an anthology, especially one focusing on South African poetry in English. It then moves on to discuss the various kinds of anthology which have been produced in recent times, illustrating this variety by means of specific examples. It ends by suggesting the sorts of anthology which have not yet been produced and which are needed today. The principal proposal is for an anthology which will enable teachers, learners and the general public to gain access to the field of contemporary South African English poetry and to better understand and appreciate this writing.