African Political Systems [Paperback]

Fortes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0710302452 | ISBN-13: 978-0710302458 0

This work, which involved the collaboration of leading figures in the field of social anthropology, undertakes the comparative study of African political systems, as an example of the wider field of the study of political institutions in traditional societies in general. The book is based upon file studies of eight African societies - the Zulu, the Ngwato, the Bemba, the Kindgom of Ankole, the Kede, the Bantu, the Tallensi and the Nuer - in which the types of social organization found are described, and the principles underlying these traditional forms of government are analyzed. "African Political Systems" is distinguished by being the study which largely established the comparative method as a primary instrument in anthropological investigation. First published in 1940, the continuing importance of the book lies in its illustration of the application of the comparative method, in the accounts of different African societies by distinguished anthropologists who were instrumental in establishing the field, and in the unique portraits it presents of traditional African societies at the end of the colonial era, poised upon the brink of an era of great change.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Meyer Fortes was William Wyse Professor of Social Anthropology at Cambridge University. Sir Edward Evans-Prichard was Professor of Social Anthropology at Oxford University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (April 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0710302452
• ISBN-13: 978-0710302458
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,036,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who says anthropology is useless?, May 21, 2008

By 

Lynn Hoffman, author:The Short Course in Beer (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: African Political Systems (Paperback)

This book, by two of the most profound students of Africa is almost shockingly germane almost 70 years after its publication. It remains relevant because
*the social units it focuses on: ethnic groups (tribes) are still extremely useful in understanding African political life
*the principals of segmentation and balanced opposition which were developed by Meyer Fortes (I wonder why he concealed his first name) are as familiar as today's news
*and finally, the observation that "In Africa it is often hardly possible to separate, even in thought, political office from ritual or religious office."

The groups involved do not include any of the players in Kenya's political life, but Zulu, BaBemba and BaNtu are described. If you want some wisdom with which to understand today's Africa, this is the place to start.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of African Political Systems, November 30, 2011

By 

J. Yaun (WV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: African Political Systems (Paperback)

A good review of African political systems and regimes during colonialism and post-colonialism eras. A good comparative study of these political institutions and African sociological issues affecting these governments.