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4harrisons 's review for:
How Europe Underdeveloped Africa
by Walter Rodney
A detailed analysis of the European impact on Africa, from the early pre-colonial period through Atlantic slavery and on to the 'scramble' for Africa and colonialism and eventually the independence movements. Rodney's approach is thoroughly analytical but retains a genuine sense of anger and a sensitivity to the agency of African people despite the impact of European "civilisation". Rodney's analysis is underpinned by a Marxist theoretical framework, which when initially stated at the start of the book feels perhaps a little dated these days (having been written in 1972). As the argument becomes more empirical, so this theoretical framework recedes into the background.
This book should be essential reading. It is a tremendous corrective to the narrative often peddled for example in the UK that the British Empire was 'good in parts' (see just one example picked at random here https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-truth-about-the-british-empire-nigel-biggar-and-matthew-parris-in-conversation/). This is a myth, and Rodney's book comprehensive nails it. How Europe Underdeveloped Africa should be taught in schools.
This book should be essential reading. It is a tremendous corrective to the narrative often peddled for example in the UK that the British Empire was 'good in parts' (see just one example picked at random here https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-truth-about-the-british-empire-nigel-biggar-and-matthew-parris-in-conversation/). This is a myth, and Rodney's book comprehensive nails it. How Europe Underdeveloped Africa should be taught in schools.