Africa in World History: From Prehistory to the Present [Paperback]

Jonathan T. Reynolds (Author), Erik Gilbert (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130929077 | ISBN-13: 978-0130929075 | Publication Date: October 24, 2003

For surveys of African History at the undergraduate level. This comprehensive survey is the first to provide a view of African history in the wider context of World History. The text illustrates how Africans have influenced regions beyond the continent's borders, how they have been influenced from outside, and how internal African developments can be compared and contrasted to those elsewhere in the world. Identifying and presenting key debates within the field of African history, this volume encourages students to address the many oversimplified myths regarding the continent and its people.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Africa in World History offers several things that other African history textbooks do not: a world-history perspective, a lively and witty narrative style, and special attention to the debates and issues which make African history relevant to contemporary Americans. Its level of specificity and complexity is appropriate for beginning undergraduates, while it will satisfy specialists with its up-to-date information and broad scope." — Lisa Lindsay, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

"A general book on Africa is a tough assignment, given the diversity of the continent, the multiplicity of peoples and states, and the sheer size of the continent, but Gilbert and Reynolds have done an excellent job. Africa in World History is well written and a delight to read." — Edmund Abaka, University of Miami

"Africa in World History reflects a well-thought-out strategy for introducing Africa to American undergraduate students. It especially addresses their concerns and interests, as well as the often muddled notions of Africa they bring to the course." — John Edwin Mason, University of Virginia

"Since World History courses are a reaction to the Eurocentrism found in the old Western Civilization texts, having a book such as Africa in World History that surveys the history of Africa from a global perspective is good and useful. I would definitely assign this text." — Andrew Barnes, Arizona State University

From the Back Cover

This groundbreaking text is the first to examine Africa in the wider context of world history. The authors show that Africans not only have shaped their own destiny but also have played a central role in a number of grand narratives of global history. In doing so, the text encourages readers to reconsider many popular or oversimplified myths regarding Africa and Africans and to explore the many issues, controversies, and debate within the field of African study. With numerous maps, full-color photos, primary sources, timelines, and a lively, engaging narrative, Africa in World History is as vibrant and multifaceted as the continent itself.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (October 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130929077
• ISBN-13: 978-0130929075
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #791,055 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant, April 4, 2005

By 

Ichewkola (Ghana/Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Africa in World History: From Prehistory to the Present (Paperback)

I found this to be a excellent introduction to African History. The authors present the complexity of African History very well and do so in a way that is respectful to Africans. I especially appriciated the attention to common mistakes about Africa.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Body-State Metaphor, March 17, 2004

By 

clopha deshotel (Bridgeport CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Africa in World History: From Prehistory to the Present (Paperback)

I began looking at the dramatic changes in Tanzania with several Middle School students when a parent suggested this book by Reynolds. It is certainly a good read. Our first exposure to the world's oldest political metaphor (body-state metaphor of Aesop's Fable BELLY and the MEMBERS) came through a friend in Cameroon, another influential ex-colony. The list goes on and it was hard for us to pick a favorite chapter. We will place this one next to our most popular non-textbook.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Africa in World History, September 18, 2010

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jadegiglio - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Africa in World History (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

Item was exactly as described. Quick shipping and packaged well. Would buy from this seller again!