The New World

by Heruy Wolde Selassie

Story of a young Ethiopian who has an opportunity to study in Europe; on returning to his native country, he meets almost insuperable difficulties in his attempts to eradicate obsolete customs, to purify the corrupt clergy, and to introduce such emblems of Westernization as the telephone and the phonograph.

Genres: Fiction, Ethiopia, Africa

80 pages

First published January 1, 1924

About the author

Blattengeta Heruy Welde Sellase (8 May 1878 – 19 September 1938; ብላቴን፡ጌታ፡ኅሩይ፡ወልደ፡ሥላሴ Blatten-Geta Həruy Wäldä-səllase) was a Foreign Minister of Ethiopia and a writer in Amharic.

Reviews

[Kurt Rongey]

I'd love to read Wolde Selassie's The New World (as part of the 1001 Books list). I'd appreciate any help with finding a digital copy (pdf, etc.), in either language. It seems to be extremely unavailable. Please message me if you can help.

[Bob Kaufman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The English translation was strange. I feel there are some parts missing but I can't be sure. The nature of the translated text lead to many misunderstandings. Often when I thought the characters were disagreeing or rebuking each other, there was a sudden reversal of outcome.

[Judy]

I got a copy in Amharic from another 1,001 reader. I didn't finish because of the difficulty in the translation. But it did lead me to research the author and the historical background. I also found a community organization with named Addis Abeba with descriptions. Too bad there are no English translations available but I'm glad for the chance to learn a little.