Africans: The History of a Continent(Series Number 85 African Studies)

This history of Africa from the origins of mankind to the South African general election of 1994 refocuses African history on the peopling of an environmentally hostile continent. The social, economic and political institutions of the African continent were designed to ensure survival and maximize numbers, but in the context of medical progress and other twentieth-century innovations these institutions have bred the most rapid population growth the world has ever seen. The history of the continent is thus a single story binding living Africans to the earliest human ancestors.

Table of Contents:
1. The frontiersmen of mankind; 2. The emergence of food-producing communities; 3. The impact of metals; 4. Christianity and Islam; 5. Colonising society in Western Africa; 6. Colonising society in Eastern and Southern Africa; 7. The Atlantic slave trade; 8. Regional diversity in the nineteenth century; 9. Colonial invasion; 10. Colonial change, 1918-50; 11. Independent Africa; 12. Industrialisation and race in South Africa.

Review :
'An outstandingly impressive achievement. It supersedes all other single volume histories of Africa and is remarkable for its grasp of the recent literature on virtually everything from archaeology to current affairs. The emphasis upon environment and population allows Iliffe to treat the whole of Africa, both north and south of the Sahara, more effectively than anyone else has done. It is very well written and brought to life with vivid quotations. It has no equal or rival.' Terence Ranger, St Antony's College, Oxford 'The range of subjects covered often extends comprehensively into areas that most authors never consider, never mind cover authoritatively and effectively … I have never read a more original, stimulating, current and authoritative text; it ranks with the best creative masters of the genre who defined the fields of African history.' Joseph Miller, University of Virginia 'John Iliffe has masterly achieved the impossible; summarized the history of a continent in just under 400 pages.' Helsingborgs Dagblad 'For people with a basic knowledge of African History this book is an excellent source of information well worth consulting.' Jonkopings-Postcn 'The book's summaries of the topics most likely to be covered in university options on Africa are masterly … This is an impressive work well worth the attention of students, their teachers and anyone else who needs a sane and informative guide to the understanding of Africa.' History 'This excellent continent-wide survey … is one of the best single volumes of African history that is currently available to the specialist as well as the student. … In addition to providing a solid background in African history, Iliffe's stimulating interpretations open up many useful avenues for debate and further research. This work is highly recommended for scholars and students alike.' The Historian