Customer Reviews

Lost Cities of Africa

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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Davidson's contribution is masterfully presented and I came away with the impression that he is a leading authority. However, this book is lacking in two area. First, there is a stunning dearth of illustration, in a book that should be replete with maps of trade routes, city outlines, and illustrations of artifacts. The reader is left wondering where just where did all of these event happen? Second, the text is too obviously derived from lectures, in that it often repeats and reasserts points that the reader has likely accepted several chapters ago. This makes for dull reading. I have long awaited such a book, knowing that such a history had only to be revealed. Although I learned a great deal from this text, I was on the whole disappointed by the presentation because it detracts from what the book has to offer. A new edition could easily remedy these shortcomings.

An excellent source of information on ancient civilizations in Africa. Since so energy has been focused on Ancient Egypt, the civilizations across the rest of the continent have often gone unseen. Basil Davidson touches on many areas with the expertise of a scholar who is highly familiar with African culture and history.

This is one of the best books I've read on African history. Basil Davidson covers many different regions of Sub-Saharan Africa in a manner that's easy to read and very humble. This is a highly recommended book for anyone wanting to learn more about African history.

If you're a history buff, student of history, Basil Davidson is an excellent resource on the African Continent. I'm rarely disappointed. Unbiased (which takes some doing when it comes to African History) exploration of subject.