20 Best Books About Africa (2023 Update)

Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of the pharaohs. in past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers, and conquerors from afar. in modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other valuable minerals.land was another prize. the romans relied on their colonies in northern africa for vital grain shipments to feed the population of rome. arab invaders followed in their wake, eventually colonizing the entire region. more recently, foreign corporations have acquired huge tracts of land to secure food supplies needed abroad, just as the romans did.in this vast and vivid panorama of history, martin meredith follows the fortunes of africa over a period of 5,000 years. with compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms and empires; the spread of christianity and islam; the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of explorers and missionaries; and the impact of european colonization. he examines, too, the fate of modern african states and concludes with a glimpse of their future.his cast of characters includes religious leaders, mining magnates, warlords, dictators, and many other legendary figuresamong them mansa musa, ruler of the medieval mali empire, said to be the richest man the world has ever known. i speak of africa,” shakespeare wrote, and of golden joys.” this is history on an epic scale.

"awe-inspiring . . . a masterly synthesis." –the new york times book review"deeply penetrating, intensely thought-provoking and thoroughly informed . . . one of the most important general surveys of africa that has been produced in the last decade." –the washington postin 1978, paleontologists in east africa discovered the earliest evidence of our divergence from the apes: three pre-human footprints, striding away from a volcano, were preserved in the petrified surface of a mudpan over three million years ago. out of africa, the world's most ancient and stable landmass, homo sapiens dispersed across the globe. and yet the continent that gave birth to human history has long been woefully misunderstood and mistreated by the rest of the world.in a book as splendid in its wealth of information as it is breathtaking in scope, british writer and photojournalist john reader brings to light africa's geology and evolution, the majestic array of its landforms and environments, the rich diversity of its peoples and their ways of life, the devastating legacies of slavery and colonialism as well as recent political troubles and triumphs. written in simple, elegant prose and illustrated with reader's own photographs, africa: a biography of the continent is an unforgettable book that will delight the general reader and expert alike. "breathtaking in its scope and detail." –san francisco chronicle

After a lifetime's close observation of the continent, one of the world's finest africa correspondents has penned a landmark book on life and death in modern africa. it takes a guide as observant, experienced, and patient as richard dowden to reveal its truths. dowden combines a novelist's gift for atmosphere with the scholar's grasp of historical change as he spins tales of cults and commerce in senegal and traditional spirituality in sierra leone; analyzes the impact of oil and the internet on nigeria and aid on sudan; and examines what has gone so badly wrong in zimbabwe, rwanda, burundi, and the congo. dowden's master work is an attempt to explain why africa is the way it is, and enables its readers to see and understand this miraculous continent as a place of inspiration and tremendous humanity.

Africa does not give up its secrets easily. buried there lie answers about the origins of humankind. and yet, though vital clues still remain hidden, scientists have over the last century transformed our understanding about the beginnings of human life. in born in africa, martin meredith follows scientists' trail of discoveries about human origins, recounting their intense rivalry, personal feuds, and fierce controversies as well as their feats of skill and endurance. and he limns their momentous accomplishments: scientists have identified more than twenty species of extinct humans. they have firmly established africa as the birthplace not only of humankind but also of modern humans. they have revealed how early technology, language ability and artistic endeavour all originated in africa; and they have shown how small groups of africans spread out from africa in an exodus sixty-thousand years ago to populate the rest of the world.

This expanded edition continues diop's campaign for the political and economic unification of the nations of black africa. it concludes with a lengthy interview with diop.

Written by two senior scholars, a history of africa introduces students to the history of the world's second largest continent. while it is not possible to discuss every event that ever happened in african history, the book comprises an historical narrative emphasizing key trends and processesillustrated by detailed examples. it represents a chronological and empirical history based on scholarly research and reconstructions of africa's past. as a continental history, it seeks to cover all regions of africa including north africa, a region often seen as culturally and historicallydistinct. furthermore, the narrative summarizes changing views and academic debates concerning aspects of african history. richly illustrated with numerous maps and photographs, a history of africa is the most comprehensive story of the place all humans call home. a history of africa is available in a combined print or ebook volume, or in split ebook volumes (volume one: to 1880 and volume two: since 1870).

The new, fully-updated edition of the acclaimed textbook covering 200 years of african history a history of modern africa explores two centuries of the continent’s political, economic, and social history. this thorough yet accessible text help readers to understand key concepts, recognize significant themes, and identify the processes that shaped the modern history of africa. emphasis is placed on the consequences of colonial rule, and the links between the precolonial and postcolonial eras. author richard reid, a prominent scholar and historian on the subject, argues that africa’s struggle for economic and political stability in the nineteenth century escalated and intensified through the twentieth century, the effects of which are still felt in the present day. the new third edition offers substantial updates and revisions that consider recent events and historiography. greater emphasis is placed on african agency, particularly during the colonial period, and the importance of the long-term militarization of african political culture. discussions of the postcolonial period have been updated to reflect recent developments, including those in north africa. adopting a long-term approach to current african issues, this text: explores the legacies of the nineteenth century and the colonial period in the context of the contemporary era highlights the role of nineteenth century and long-term internal dynamics in africa’s modern challenges combines recent scholarship with concise and effective narrative features maps, illustrations, expanded references, and comprehensive endnotes a history of modern africa: 1800 to the present, 3rd edition is an excellent introduction to the subject for undergraduate students in relevant courses, and for general readers with interest in modern african history and current affairs.

Authoritative and comprehensive, the history of africa provides an accessible narrative from earliest prehistory to the present day, with unusual attention paid to the ordinary lives of africans. this survey includes a wealth of indigenous ideas, african concepts, and traditional outlooks that have escaped the writing of african history in the west. the fully updated new edition includes information on the recent conflicts in libya and the sudan, as well as additional content on the experiences and contributions of women. a companion website offers a wealth of supporting resources for each chapter, including new historic maps, primary sources, video and audio clips, and links to sites for further research. richly illustrated and clearly written, this volume is an indispensable introduction to the major developments, personalities, and events that have shaped the history of the african continent.

African twilight is the two-volume, slipcased magnum opus of the two pioneering documentary photographers of african tribal cultures and ceremonies–a world that is quickly vanishing before our very eyes.now, nearly two decades after these photographer's landmark african ceremonies and with a greater sense of urgency, this book completes the journey, covering disappearing rituals and ceremonies from some of the most inaccessible corners of the african continent, to create the definitive statement on this subject. this new landmark volume will set the standard for capturing a visual testament to the vanishing traditions of african peoples.no other book like this exists or can ever be created again, as more than 40 percent of what has been documented here has already vanished. for the last 15 years of their four decades of african fieldwork, world-renowned photographers carol beckwith and angela fisher have continued their journey across africa, seeking out remote communities to record the sacred ceremonies, powerful art forms, and boundless creativity of the people living there today. this ground-breaking book is a testament to these vanishing moments and peoples. african twilight is a celebration of the powerful artistry and boundless creativity of africa's cultural heritage for audiences worldwide, transporting viewers into a world of connections between individual and community, body and soul, land and people. all of the photography is previously unpublished.

In 1914 the author arrived in kenya with her husband to run a coffee-farm. drawn to the exquisite beauty of africa, she spent her happiest years there until the plantation failed. offering a poignant farewell to her beloved farm, this title describes her friendships with the local people, and her dedication for the landscape and wildlife.

Explore the amazing animals of africa! travel through the savanna, jungle, and desert to meet lions, elephants, giraffes, and more animals in this leveled reader about the most popular african safari animals that's perfect for advanced readers. packed with weird-but-true facts and tons of animal info, this level 3 reader tours the diverse grasslands, watering holes, rain forests, and deserts of africa. get up close to some of the most amazing animals in africa, including big cats, crocs, pangolins, hippos, rhinos, elephants, and more. find out how fast a cheetah can sprint, how much a croc can fit in its massive jaws, and more wild stuff. kids also get an introduction to the importance of animal conservation. national geographic fact readers feature the same expert-vetted running text as traditional readers–with a bonus of 100 fun facts sprinkled throughout! a fact roundup at the end of each book lets kids review what they've learned. (plus, they can impress their friends with their animal expertise!)

Lonely planet southern africa by lonely planet published by lonely planet global limited in 2017. for decades, the lonely planet guides have proven to the finest travel series in the world today. from recommendations of sights to see, to places to stay and the best food and cultural, they're an essential item for any keen traveller! if you're planning a trip to southern africa, this guidebook is going to be an absolute must! from the safaris to the cities, it has everything you could need to know about this incredible part of the world.

Lonely planet africa by lonely planet published by lonely planet global limited in 2017. for decades, the lonely planet guides have been an essential resource for people travelling around the world, providing tips and advice for enriching visits to far-flung lands. this fascinating guidebook brings to life the amazing continent of africa, and gives incredible inside information on the best places to stay, where to eat, and what to visit.

Why haven't the poorest africans been able to prosper in the twenty-first century? celebrated economist george ayittey thinks the answer is obvious: economic freedom was denied to them, first by foreign colonial powers and now by indigenous leaders with similarly oppressive practices. as war and conflict replaced peace, africa's infrastructure crumbled. instead of bemoaning the myriad difficulties facing the continent today, ayittey boldly proposes a program of development–a way forward–for africa. africa unchained investigates how africa can modernize, build, and improve its indigenous institutions, and argues forcefully that africa should build and expand upon traditions of free markets and free trade rather than continuing to use exploitative economic structures. the economic model here is uniquely african and takes little heed from the developed world; this is sure to be a highly controversial plan for moving africa forward.

Was socrates black? did aristotle steal his ideas from the library in alexandria? hardly a week goes by when an article does not appear in a newspaper or magazine by an afrocentrist writer making such allegations. but so far, no one has responded fully to these afrocentrist claims or explained why these strange ideas are being circulated, and indeed taught, in american schools and universities. not out of africa is the first book to refute these spurious claims. mary lefkowitz examines the ancient evidence and shows how it was misunderstood both in antiquity and in modern time. lefkowitz, a distinguished classicist, demonstrates that there has been no modern conspiracy among scholars to conceal the debt of greece to egypt and that some of the misconceptions arise form the ancient greeks' own misunderstanding of egyptian religions. not out of africa explains why revisionist histories of the ancient world are being written now – and perhaps always will be. modern afrocentric writers are following a long-established pattern in which peoples, particularly if they regard themselves as having been deprived of a history, seem keen to acquire a glorious past. lefkowitz explains how the notion that greek religion and philosophy were derived from egypt was preserved in the ritual and mythology of freemasonry, and how extreme afrocentrists came to allege that what they supposed to be an egyptian legacy was not just borrowed but actually stolen by theancient greeks. this book will be of interest to everyone who cares about the ancient world and its traditions, and to all who believe that our civilization has preserved some of the greeks' best traditions, such as democratic government, freedom of speech, learning, and discussion.

Early prehistory of africa — later prehistory : farming and pastoralism in tropical africa and ancient egypt — the impact of iron in north and west africa — the early iron age in central, eastern, and southern africa — north and north-eastern africa to 1000 ce — trans-saharan trade and the kingdom of ancient ghana — islam and the sudanic states of west africa — eastern africa to the sixteenth century — trading towns of the east african coast to the sixteenth century — later iron age states and societies of central and southern africa to 1600 — north and north- east africa to the eighteenth century — the atlantic slave trade, sixteenth to eighteenth centuries — west african states and societies to the eighteenth century — central and eastern africa to the eighteenth century — southern africa to the eighteenth century — west africa in the nineteenth century and the ending of the slave trade — central and east africa in the nineteenth century — pre-industrial.

Early prehistory of africa — later prehistory : farming and pastoralism in tropical africa and ancient egypt — the impact of iron in north and west africa — the early iron age in central, eastern, and southern africa — north and north-eastern africa to 1000 ce — trans-saharan trade and the kingdom of ancient ghana — islam and the sudanic states of west africa — eastern africa to the sixteenth century — trading towns of the east african coast to the sixteenth century — later iron age states and societies of central and southern africa to 1600 — north and north- east africa to the eighteenth century — the atlantic slave trade, sixteenth to eighteenth centuries — west african states and societies to the eighteenth century — central and eastern africa to the eighteenth century — southern africa to the eighteenth century — west africa in the nineteenth century and the ending of the slave trade — central and east africa in the nineteenth century — pre-industrial.

A mesmerizing novel of love and nostalgia set in the vast spaces of contemporary east africa.romantic, often resonantly ironic, moving and wise, rules of the wild transports us to a landscape of unsurpassed beauty even as it gives us a sharp-eyed portrait of a closely knit tribe of cultural outsiders: the expatriates living in kenya today. challenged by race, by class, and by a longing for home, here are "safari boys" and samaritans, reporters bent on their own fame, travelers who care deeply about elephants but not at all about the people of africa. they all know each other. they meet at dinner parties, they sleep with each other, they argue about politics and the best way to negotiate their existence in a place where they don't really belong. at the center is esmé, a beautiful young woman of dazzling ironies and introspections, who tells us her story in a voice both passionate and self-deprecating. against a paradoxical backdrop of limitless physical freedom and escalating civil unrest, esmé struggles to make sense of her own place in africa and of her feelings for the two men there whom she loves–adam, a second-generation kenyan who is the first to show her the wonders of her adopted land, and hunter, a british journalist sickened by its horrors. rules of the wild evokes the worlds of isak dinesen, beryl markham, and ernest hemingway. it explores unforgettably our infinite desire for a perfect elsewhere, for love and a place to call home. it is an astonishing literary debut.

The author, one of the foremost scholars on africa, fought to legitimise african history for more than 60 years. this book finally uncovers the tumultuous life of this great figure. through a series of autobiographical essays, clarke looks back on his lifelong struggle to restore african history to its proper place in the context of world history.

A trailblazing collection of writing from binyavanga wainaina's extraordinary life 'in your text, treat africa as if it were one country. it is hot and dusty with rolling grasslands and huge herds of animals and tall, thin people who are starving. or it is hot and steamy with very short people who eat primates. don't get bogged down with precise descriptions.' binyavanga wainaina was a seminal author and activist, remembered as one of the greatest chroniclers of contemporary african life. after his death in 2019, this ground-breaking collection brings together his pioneering writing on the african continent for the first time. a rule-breaker full of wry satire and piercing wisdom, this collection includes many of binyavanga's most critically acclaimed pieces, including the viral satirical sensation how to write about africa. writing fearlessly across a range of topics – from politics to international aid, cultural heritage and redefining sexuality, this is a remarkable illustration of a writer at the height of his power. featuring an introduction by his long-time friend chimamanda ngozi adichie