The Making of Contemporary Africa: The Development of African Society Since 1800 - Softcover

Freund, Bill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 025328600X ISBN 13: 9780253286000

Publisher: Indiana University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Reviews of the first edition 'a landmark in African historiography.' Journal of African History Fully revised and updated to include the momentous events that have taken place in South Africa, The Making of Contemporary Africa provides a refreshing reinterpretation of the complex events in sub-Saharan Africa since the eighteenth century. It also serves as a succinct introduction to the history of modern Africa, incorporating in the text a critical appraisal of the best scholarship in recent years. The book first examines indigenous social development and the significance of contact with pre-industrial Europe. Following the Industrial Revolution, the impact of colonialism is considered from the perspective of class formation and capital penetration. Social and cultural changes during this period are given special attention. Decolonisation and the post-colonial development of Africa are analysed on the foundation of basic economic changes, not by the usual, narrowly-conceived chronological political catalogue. New chapters look at the revolutionary process in southern Africa and focus on the contemporary themes of economic crisis, structural adjustment and the pitfalls of democratisation.

About this title

From the Back Cover

From a materialist perspective, 'The Making of Contemporary Africa' provides a stimulating reinterpretation of the complex events in sub-Saharan Africa since the beginning of the nineteenth century.

About the Author

Bill Freund is professor emeritus of economic history at the University of KawaZulu-Natal.

Edition details

• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 025328600X
• ISBN 13: 9780253286000
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 357