Customer Reviews

General History of Africa: Ancient Civilizations of Africa v. 2 (UNESCO general history of Africa)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This volume of UNESCO's General History of Africa introduces ancient African history for the general student. Much of the work focuses on Egypt, as that great ancient civilization left more records for historians to work with. But the rest of Africa is not forgotten; indeed, the state of historical research (which often relies heavily on archeology) is nicely summarized for all regions in Africa. At times the writing is a bit dense or dry, but these sections may be skimmed or skipped with little loss. At other times, the work is most enlightening; such as, to take but one example, in a section on ethnic origins of the peoples in Madagascar. The book substantiates the thesis that the histories of various regions in Africa are all inter-connected and provides strong support that Africa did indeed contribute to Western civilization. While the work is, in a sense, a defense against racist interpretations of Africa's past, it resists making exaggerated claims. I recommend this work to general students of African history and secondary education teachers who might wish to add some depth to their lessons.

This Is not a lightweight book on the ancient africa.All of the countries are covered In detail, but most of It covers Egypt.Still, there Is so much Information you still won't feel cheated.Great pictures adorn each chapter and the biography Is extensive.The history books and hollywood refuse to show the people as they were,- as africans but this one changes that Image. Most of It Is a easy read but If you are lukewarm to african history some of It might not Interest you.Still this book should be purchased by anyone, but especially those with an Interest In African History.

This work is all right, but it could be written by scholars with far more lively prose. Much of the work is only steps away from a dry archaeological analysis (indeed, the appendix to chapter one is very formal and so very unreadable, despite the fact that is discusses a very interesting controversy). My point is this: I'll praise this work because it's the only thorough history of ancient/classical Africa that I could find. However, I'll note that I'm still hoping to see some competition for it appear in print.

This a weighty book which focuses on the civilizations of africa.There Is a lot of Information and It covers all of ancient africa.I picked up on a lot of things I did not know and others I knew of somewhat but not completly.I highly recomend this book to students or anyone has a Interest In ancient african history.