Terror in Kenya. The facts behind the present crisis. Accompanied by four Associated Press photographs s from the early 1950s.

BRITISH COLONIALISM IN KENYA.

Published by London: W. F. T. U. Publications Ltd, [c.1952]

About this Item

Four unusual items, including an uncommon pamphlet with no other comparable copy on the market and original photographic prints. These items encapsulate tensions in Kenya in the early 1950s between occupying British forces and Mau Mau freedom fighters, evoking the geopolitical tensions of the early Cold War. After being banned by the British in 1950, the Mau Mau began a sabotage campaign in the British territory of Kenya, thereby prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency in October 1952. The present pamphlet, reprinting articles from the magazine World Trade Union Movement, is an early effort to inform British readers of the situation in Kenya and stoke opposition at home to British imperialism's "vicious attack on the growing movement of the Kenya people." Given that it had close ties with the Soviet Union and the early Cold War communist bloc, the pamphlet's publisher - the World Federation of Trade Unions - used the pamphlet and the Kenya crisis to undermine the British government on the world stage. The accompanying AP photos show the detention of Mau Mau rebels and British propaganda efforts designed to bring the Mau Mau to heel. Together, the photos and their captions emphasise the extent of Britain's power and reinforce the British government's attempts to depict the Mau Mau as an illegal insurgent movement. At stake in these fascinating photos is the period's competing narratives of colonialism versus decolonization, as well as the complex historical legacies of the 19th century's "Scramble for Africa." Octavo pamphlet, pp. 18. Original paper wrappers, title and photograph printed to front cover in black, publisher advertisement on rear cover. Four separate photographs (257 x 202 mm) with captions pasted to rear and Associated Press stamping. With photograph and illustration in the text. Four separate black-and-white photographs. Rusting to staples with minor surrounding discolouration, pages otherwise clean and bright. A near-fine copy. Minor bumps to photograph corners and edges, light fading. All four in excellent condition. Seller Inventory # 148118

Bibliographic Details

Title: Terror in Kenya. The facts behind the ...

Publisher: London: W. F. T. U. Publications Ltd, [c.1952]