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2.99 AVERAGE
2.99 AVERAGE
The state of Africa before, during and after colonisation.
The book clearly demonstrat that while political stability was achieved during colonisation, Africa was better off after they became independent. Good summary of African history and a little bit about the Arab peninsula but only through its effects on the African continent. Trade. Islam and the sorts that stretch from Egypt and all the way to the sahara and tourag tribe.
The book clearly demonstrat that while political stability was achieved during colonisation, Africa was better off after they became independent. Good summary of African history and a little bit about the Arab peninsula but only through its effects on the African continent. Trade. Islam and the sorts that stretch from Egypt and all the way to the sahara and tourag tribe.
Excessively academic, which as well as rendering this necessarily brief overview relatively comprehensive, also makes it feel exceptionally dry. A page-turner she ain't. But as a quick social and historical fly-by to add context to my ongoing exploration of African lit, it's a useful tool, and most importantly one packed to the rafters with suggested further reading.
informative
slow-paced
I read the 1970 edition. A product of its time, it focusses almost exclusively on the history of state building on the African continent. It is not a history of the people of Africa. One could even say it’s a history of the endeavours of Europeans and Arabs in Africa.
The lack of Africans in this book could well be explained by the exemplary scholarship of the authors. What is not known is not speculated upon (and maybe therefore ending up with quite a ‘white’ account). The unknowns about pre-colonial Africa (at the time) are often explicitly acknowledged and little to no inductions are made. The paragraphs about the apartheid regime read as a modern day account, showing a contemporary sensibility and sympathy.
To make sense of this 50 year old book, I read ‘A very short introduction of African History’ (2007) which I can highly recommend.
The lack of Africans in this book could well be explained by the exemplary scholarship of the authors. What is not known is not speculated upon (and maybe therefore ending up with quite a ‘white’ account). The unknowns about pre-colonial Africa (at the time) are often explicitly acknowledged and little to no inductions are made. The paragraphs about the apartheid regime read as a modern day account, showing a contemporary sensibility and sympathy.
To make sense of this 50 year old book, I read ‘A very short introduction of African History’ (2007) which I can highly recommend.