Foreward by Basil
> Davidson. Binding is Original Wrapper.


this book of poetry orig published in 1955

António Agostinho Neto (September 17, 1922 – September 10, 1979) was the first President of Angola (1975–1979), a poet, nationalist and Marxist-Leninist, founder and leader of the communist party, the Soviet-line Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). His birthday is celebrated as National Heroes Day, a public holiday in Angola.

Born in the village of Kaxikane in Icolo e Bengo in Angola in 1922, he was a prominent figure from the 1940s when he became an important member of a movement in Angola that sought to rediscover traditional Angolan culture. Despite his participation in nationalist movements, he studied medicine in Lisbon.

After attaining a medical degree, he returned to Angola, but was immediately considered a troublesome figure by the Portuguese colonial authorities, due to his opposition to colonial rule. For his actions, he was arrested, and in turn many of his patients protested, leading to a crackdown by colonial troops. Despite his imprisonment, he would escape to Morocco, and would become an important leader of Angolan resistance from exile.