9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A tale of the former greatness of Africa, January 9, 2005
This review is from: Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali (Hardcover)
There is a great deal of historical evidence in support of the mighty empire of Mali and the trek of the great king Mansa Musa across the Sahara Desert to Mecca. Some European historical accounts have him listed as the king of all of Africa. There is solid historical evidence that he lived in the early 1300's and further evidence that a mighty fleet of ships departed from the kingdom and made landfall in the Western Hemisphere during his reign. This would mean that their arrival predated the voyage of Christopher Columbus by almost two centuries.
This story is an account of the life of Mansa Musa before he became king, and while the background is historically accurate, most of the account of his life before he became king is fictional. Some of it is based on cultural myths that are still part of the Mali culture, but it is clear that there were once mighty empires in Africa. I found this book very interesting because it tells of an aspect of African history that we in the west rarely if ever hear about. The empires of Egypt and Nubia are part of the historical education of every western child, but the mighty nations that once existed in other parts of Africa are largely ignored. Most of the Africans captured and sold into slavery were from the northwest section of Africa and it is a western cultural myth that they were savages. From the historical events on which this book is based, a strong and civilized nation existed in that area several centuries before the slave trade began.
The authors do a good job in writing about the early life of Mansa Musa. It is an appropriate blend of a story for children with just enough adult features to make it appeal to all ages. Once I completed the book, my interest was so aroused that I did an online search for books on Mansa Musa and the empire of Mali.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous FICTIONAL story of great king with FACTUAL epilogue, December 20, 2005
This review is from: Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali (Hardcover)
If you are looking for a strictly historical book, go elsewhere. The main story is entirely fictional. However, it is beautifully told and gorgeously illustrated, and it is well researched historical fiction. No, we know nothing of the childhood of the famous Mansa Musa--however, the portrayal of the cultures and ways of life of the people is vivid and accurate, and this legend-like tale will surely gain a deserving place in the canon of children's literature.
For educational use, this is of fairly limited *factual* use because of the dearth of written accounts about Mansa Musa and his reign and, as a result, the fictional nature of the main narrative. However, the epilogue is factual (if not completely impervious to debate), and the entire book would be great as a fictional supplement to the study of the Middle Ages, especially as it takes the point of view of a non-Western culture and focuses upon an important historical figure who is often glossed over (because of lack of information and his lack of impact upon the West) in typical courses of study.
This book would be excellent for people of any background who enjoy history, good story-telling, and breathtaking illustrations.
For other great, beautifully illustrated, African-oriented picture books, try these:
Why do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears? - an animal myth
The Marriage of the Rain-Goddess - based on a South African myth, it contains many elements common to African folklore and fairytales (such as the substitute bride)
African Princess - nonfiction about 6 royal women of Africa, from ancient Egypt to the 20th (and 21st) century. Painted illustrations are limited to one portrait per woman, but the book is fascinating and unusual, and photographs are skillfully chosen to complement the text.
African Princes - Complement to African Princesses.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali, May 11, 2011
This review is from: Mansa Musa: The Lion of Mali (Hardcover)
Great illustrations by the Dillons! They have won awards for decades! Bravo! Great Story line about Kanaku Musa and his 13th century pilgrimage to Mecca that amazed the civilized world. Africa would now be on the map because of this Mansa and his empire of Mali.
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