The information on this page can be downloaded as a pdf.
This is the online space for a book of collected writings by John Howe (1938–2018). The texts cover topics ranging from current affairs to psychology, the arts, cars, travel, personal reminiscences and contemporary life. It includes fiction and non-fiction, previously published and unpublished – a bricolage constructed from decades of professional work and private reflection.
A journalist and translator, John wrote for avant-garde publications, such as 7 Days and Bananas, for the mainstream press such as the Guardian and French daily Le Matin de Paris and for the political journal New Left Review. Having developed an interest in Africa, he travelled through the continent. Among other accounts, the book features a personal portrait of Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti and a close-up view of the war being waged by the people of Western Sahara for independence from Morocco (1987). Nearer to home, he wrote about the Notting Hill Carnival and local characters. His appreciation of mechanics informed his writing on the car industry and its evolution towards automation.
The book is organised into the following sections, and you can see samples of each as follows: PORTRAITS, CARS, AFRICA, FROM THE MOTO PARK, LETTER FROM LONDON, PSYCHOLOGY, VERSE and MISCELLANY.
The site also showcases some of John’s photography from travels in Nigeria, Chad and Western Sahara. Many of these striking images, scanned from old negatives, were only ever printed as contact sheets. Here they offer an illuminating visual record of the places and people John encountered during three African journeys.
‘Evenings with Our Girl Rene’ is utterly delightful and precise in its observations and social commentary and wise … a reminder of what a very fine and distinctive writer he was.
Herbie Butterfield (retired), Department of Literature, Essex University
The description of Kampala in the immediate aftermath of the Idi Amin era in ‘Anarchy in Vitro’ is unforgettable and vivid.
Richard Synge, journalist and editor, Africa specialist
John Howe: Bricolage: Essays, Journalism and Improvisations 