The Peopling of Africa: A Geographic Interpretation - Hardcover

Newman, Mr. James L.

3.25

8 ratings by Goodreads

9780300060034: The Peopling of Africa: A Geographic Interpretation

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300060033 ISBN 13: 9780300060034

Publisher: Yale University Press, 1995

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African identities constitute one of Newman's main themes; thus he discusses the roles played by genetic background; language, occupation, and religion. Population distribution is the other main theme.
As a geographer, the author uses regions, spaces and places as his filters for viewing how Africans have responded through time to differing natural and human environmental circumstances. Drawing on biology, archeology, linguistics, history, anthropology, and demography, as well as geography, Newman describes the richness and diversity of Africa's inhabitants, the technological changes that transformed their lives, the formation of polities, from small kin groups to states and empires, and the influence of external forces, particularly the slave trade. Maps are an integral part of the book, conveying information and interrelating local, regional, and continental contexts.

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About the Author:

James L. Newman is professor of geography at Syracuse University.

Review:

Newman's 'geographic interpretation' of the peopling of Africa examines the role of genetics and religion in population distribution themes, considering how Africans have responded to changing environmental circumstances and using an interdisciplinary approach to consider how states and empires have evolved and changed. This scholarly discussion will appeal to any who want a different interpretation of African migration patterns. -- Midwest Book Review

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