Abstract

Frantz Fanon (1925-1961) was a Caribbean and African psychiatrist, philosopher and revolutionary whose works, including Black Skin, White Masks and The Wretched of the Earth are hugely influential in the fields of post-colonial studies, critical theory, and post-Marxism. His legacy remains with us today, having inspired movements in Palestine, Sri Lanka, the US and South Africa.

This is a critical biography of his extraordinary life. Peter Hudis draws on the expanse of his life and work - from his upbringing in Martinique and early intellectual influences to his mature efforts to fuse psychoanalysis and philosophy and contributions to the anti-colonial struggle in Algeria - to counter the monolithic assumption that Fanon's contribution to modern thought is defined by the advocacy of violence.

He was a political activist who brought his interests in psychology and philosophy directly to bear on such issues as mutual recognition, democratic participation and political sovereignty. Hudis shows that, as a result, Fanon emerges as neither armchair intellectual nor intransigent militant.
'A lively and provocative reading of Fanon's life and work that challenges many of the more recent interpretations of this major figure'
Paget Henry, Professor of Sociology at Brown University
'A wonderful introduction to the life and work of Frantz Fanon'
Morning Star
'If you are new to Fanon or you are returning to his work, Peter Hudis' biography is a must read!'
Lenore Daniels, PhD, theorist, writer, activist
'An iconoclastic exegesis of Fanon's life and work. In what is sure to become a classic text, Hudis shows himself to be one of the most important thinkers of our generation'
Peter McLaren, Distinguished Professor in Critical Studies at Chapman University