While the issue of beauty has recently resurfaced after a long silence in Europe and North America, this is the first book of its kind to tackle the subject of beauty in Africa. The essays suggest that the concept of beauty cannot be understood without a simultaneous understanding of the idea of ugliness. Writtten by continental and diasporic scholars, essays focus on sculpture, photography,art, music, fiction, food, clothing and urban design. Contributors include William Kentridge, Achille Mbembe, Simon Gikandi and Mia Couto.