Africa in History: Themes and Outlines - Softcover

Basil Davidson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0020427913 ISBN 13: 9780020427919

Publisher: Collier Books, 1992

Synopsis

Prior to the original publication of Africa in History, the history and development of Africa had been measured by the European concept of "civilization," applying a Eurocentric approach to African art and literature. Basil Davidson's landmark work presents the inner growth of Africa and its worldwide significance, the internal dynamic of its old civilizations and their links with Asia, Europe and America, as well as the development of specific areas, tribes and cultures. From accounts of the days of the green Sahara and the great iron age, the earliest Portuguese colonization, the coming of slavery and the subsequent legacy of violence and mistrust, the growth of Islam in the north and the cults of the Congo, the sophistication of art and architecture, and the pattern behind social and tribal mores, the entire picture of the continent emerges. This revised edition reflects the recent astonishing changes in South Africa, including the release of Nelson Mandela.

About this title

About the Author:

Basil Davidson is the author of more than ten books on African history and has devoted over thirty years to the intensive study of the African peoples. His books include The African Past, The Atlantic Slave Trade, Lost Cities of Africa, African Kingdoms and The History of West Africa to 1800.

From Library Journal:

This is the fourth revision of an excellent book by the prolific and acclaimed author who has done more than anyone else to bring the history of Africa to a popular audience. It covers the general themes of African history and is suitable both as an undergraduate text and for the general reader. The revisions appear to have been minimal, limited primarily to the final chapter and concerned with updating recent events in South Africa. Nevertheless, this is the type of book that most collections of African history, from basic to comprehensive, ought to have.
- Paul H. Thomas, Hoover Inst. Lib., Stanford, Cal.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Collier Books
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0020427913
• ISBN 13: 9780020427919
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 406