The Congo

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The Congo
By Vachel Lindsay (1879-1931)

"3 The Congo is one of the best-known poems by American poet Vachel
"5 Lindsay (1879-1931). It was revolutionary in its use of sounds and rhythms
> — as sounds and rhythms — and includes elaborate annotations to guide
its spoken performance. Lindsay categorized The Congo as "higher
Vaudeville" and was famous for his exuberant performances of it. The
poem's imagery is racist, but Lindsay was a product of his time — born 14
years after the end of the American Civil War in Abraham Lincoln's
hometown, he revered Lincoln and viewed himself as a friend and
supporter of African-American culture. (Summary by Kathy Thile)

Read by Laura Fox; total running time: 00:08:12.

O This recording is in the public domain and may be reproduced, distributed, or modified without permission. For
j2? more information or to volunteer, visit librivox.org.
O

U Cover picture taken from the book "Stanleys expedition till Emin Paschas undsattning" by Alphone-Jules Wauters
(1890). Copyright expired in US, Canada, EU and all countries with author's life +70 yrs laws. Cover design by
Janette Brown. This design is in the public domain.