抄録
In October 2014, the news of the death of Ali Mazrui spread quickly in New York and around the world, marking the loss of an extraordinary mind. Mazrui was born in Kenya in 1933. His major intellectual contribution is his interpretation of Africa as a product of what he called ‘the triple heritage – Africa’s indigenous values, Islam, and the Western legacy’. Indeed, he was the first African in history to do a nine-hour global television series, shown in many countries in a blaze of controversy and publicity, especially in the US and UK, translated into several languages, and seen by millions worldwide. The television series is called The Africans: A Triple Heritage (Mazrui 1986a). A quick online search reveals that his ideas continue to inspire and influence people even today. By the time he died, Mazrui had also authored 58 books and 679 academic articles. This essay explores Mazrui as a prolific writer, examining the motivations for his extensive writing, the themes he addressed in his writing, and his unique writing style. By delving into these aspects of Mazrui’s scholarship, we can deepen our understanding of his diverse interests and intellectual expression as well as uncover inspiring and valuable insights into his enduring relevance.
