Customer Reviews

Facing Mount Kenya

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Jomo Kenyatta provides a detailed insider description of the Gikuyu peoples of Kenya. THe book takes a structural functionalist approach to anthropology, providing a very detailed description covering virtually all aspects of tribal life. A native Gikuyu,son of a medicine man, Kenyatta reveals his wonderful anthropological ability in a storybook fashion. A must read for anyone interested in learning about African culture.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in Kikuyu culture

I got interested in learning more about my culture after listening to incredible stories from the past from a 70 year old Kikuyu woman. I bought the book and it was an intense understanding of my own culture. Its a great shame that not many young Kikuyus know as much about their own rich, beautiful culture. My son has to read it. I wish Kikuyus could recapture some of those traditions.

I have read dozens of books about African Safaris and enjoy hunting books especially in an African setting from the late 1800's to mid 1900's. Most of those authors who spent a great deal of time with native African's always say they "understand the Africans" intimately.

Comparing their observations with their conclusions it seemed to me that they did not really understand the natives. It took me awhile to find this book, but it is the definitive answer to my question; they dang sure didn't understand the natives.

With all the world's problems today with "Tribes" all over the world I think this is a great place to start understanding what is meant by the word "Tribe." To many westerners, European or American it implies "Savage or unsophisticated" but this book will show you they are far more sophisticated than one might think.

It is not a "page turner" by any means, but its not a Text Book either. It's well written and a wonderful read. Specific issues you will understand a great deal more after this book is female circumcision, and why Christianity's objection to polygamy pushes them toward the Muslim faith. This book was written in 1938. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see that pointed out anywhere. So for perspective the Mau Mau uprising was roughly '52-'58 and the author became the first President of Kenya in '63.

I read Martin Meredith's "The Fate of Africa" a few years ago and I'm actually thinking about re-reading it with a new perspective. Speaking of tough reads, that one is tough.

This book gives a detailed look at how kenyans in general and the kikuyu in particular lived before the coming of the white man. The disruption of this way of life by the British. The sequence of events and the mindsets of the people that eventual led to the revolution war and eventual independence. Should be a must read for anybody who wants to understand the kenyans in general and kikuyus in particular.

This book is one of a kind capturing and documenting traditions fast disappearing.Facing Mount Kenya

Very informative...Loved it!! has everything you need to know of the Kikuyu traditions and culture

Mzee is deep,truly. Too bad I wasn't born early enough to experience him.

I read this book a long time ago-9 years, I was 16 then. It moved me, connected me with a fact of me that I didn't know existed. The tribal ways of the Gikuyu are here in detail-read, make yourself proud.

PS:I have my uncles supervintage copy and I am not selling it

I have read a lot even encyclopedea I have to drop this book may be I will pick it up when I have no book to read again may be it will be more interesting as I continue then I will review this review again

A most detailed and reliable account on Kikuyu heritage, customs and way of life.