Event details
Feb
5
Book Talk: “Atlas’s Bones”
Join D. Vance Smith (English) for this special event to discuss his new book “Atlas’s Bones: The African Foundations of Europe” in conversation with Simon Gikandi (English).
The book, published in November 2025 by The University of Chicago Press, traces “Africa’s influence on European culture and how colonization remade Africa in the image of a medieval Europe.”
This event is a collaboration between the Princeton Public Library, the Humanities Council, and the Council’s Program in Humanistic Studies. Co-sponsored by the Department of English, the Program in African Studies, and the Program in Medieval Studies.
A reception will follow. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Labyrinth Books.
The book, published in November 2025 by The University of Chicago Press, traces “Africa’s influence on European culture and how colonization remade Africa in the image of a medieval Europe.”
This event is a collaboration between the Princeton Public Library, the Humanities Council, and the Council’s Program in Humanistic Studies. Co-sponsored by the Department of English, the Program in African Studies, and the Program in Medieval Studies.
A reception will follow. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Labyrinth Books.
Speakers
D. Vance Smith, professor of English
Simon Gikandi, Class of 1943 University Professor of English and Chair of the English Department
University programs and activities are open to all eligible participants without regard to identity or other protected characteristics. Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.
View physical accessibility information for campus buildings and find accessible routes using the Princeton Campus Map app.
Date
February 5, 2026Time
6:00 p.m.Location
Princeton Public Library, Community Room, Virtual/Off Campus, Virtual/Off Campus LocationAudience
University Sponsors
Program in Humanistic Studies
Department of English
Program in African Studies
Program in Medieval Studies
External Sponsors
Princeton Public Library