Microsoft Encarta Africana Third Edition [Old Version]

by Microsoft

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00004U0YW
• Item model number: B02-00090
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 8, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,967 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #15 in Software > Education & Reference > Arts & Culture
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Encarta Africana is an absorbing interactive exploration of the history of African culture. From early man's appearance 4 million years ago on the African continent to Sir Mix-A-Lot explaining the technology behind making a rap recording, this comprehensive CD-ROM tackles a massive amount of cultural history, fully utilizing its multimedia format to make the information educational, entertaining, and enlightening.

The program's introduction reflects the ambitious scope of Encarta Africana; the rich harmonies of Zulu choral music swell as a montage flashes across the screen: Nelson Mandela, art from 4000 B.C., and a raised fist are among the images. These pictures are superimposed over a patterned background that, upon closer inspection, is actually a diagram of a slave ship, jam-packed with human cargo.

The program itself is divided into nine sections: a library of black America; a history and music timeline; a civil rights chronology; a section entitled Africana on Camera, in which famous blacks discuss different issues; historic sites; an interactive map; a section called Africa to Americas that tracks how Africans were dispersed throughout the Americas; virtual tours; and Topic Treks, a feature that allows users to explore various topics in greater depth. Each of these sections (with the exception of the library) is vast, easy to explore, and filled with articles, photos, sounds, dates, and facts. Though the library doesn't serve up pictures or sounds, it does include the complete texts of 160 poems, essays, and novels about the experience of being of African descent in America.

Sound weaves itself throughout this multifaceted program. Progress along a historical timeline, and the soundtrack transitions from spirituals to ragtime to hip-hop as the people and achievements grow closer to present day. Visual vignettes are present throughout as well: the familiar forms of the pyramids, a small swatch of Asante kente cloth, a short film of Whoopi Goldberg discussing race. Encarta's developers adeptly exploit this medium, seamlessly blending sound, visuals, and written information to superbly capture the powerful story of African culture. --Anne Erickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary for a Complete Education, June 13, 2001

By 

Jonathan Schaper (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft Encarta Africana Third Edition [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

I actually received the Encarta Africana as part of the Reference Suite Package and I'm not sure if I would have bought it otherwise, but I am now extremely grateful that I own it.

African history has been a very neglected part of the public education system (or at least that is my experience here in Canada). Beyond ancient history on the Mesopotamian region being the cradle of civilization, you learn very little about the rich and diverse history of this large continent. However, as this cd-rom demonstrates, Africa and people of African descent have contributed a great deal to the world, from its art (which inspired artists like Picasso to move beyond mere realistic portraits and landscapes towards greater expression of pure emotion), literature, music (jazz, the blues), etc.

Included are extensive entries on each country in Africa, its political leaders, its religions, its importance as the birthplace of humans and culture, etc., as well as the history of the dispersion of Africans to the Americas through not only slavery, but as important contributers to exploration. It also traces the history of Africans all over the world, Africa's contributions to food and culture, etc.

This cd-rom is beautifully designed and has excellent multimedia, including music, films of dancing, artwork, interviews with Colin Powell, Maya Angelou (spelling?), Whoopi Goldberg, etc., interesting essays on the concept of race. Also included is a library of historic African American literature (poems, slave narratives, etc.). As a white man, I now appreciate Africa's rich heritage far more than I used to, and I am sure it would make an especially wonderful inspiration to children of African descent. It is my hope that Encarta will release a similar cd-rom about Asia, but for now this cd-rom fills in the gap in a much neglected area of history. Kudos to those responsible.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful product!, August 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Encarta Africana Third Edition [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

As a first time buyer of the Microsoft Encarta Reference Suite 2001, I was excited to try out all of the components of the collection. When I got to Microsoft Encarta Africana 3rd Edition, I found that the program included many interesting features, such as Dynamic Timelines and Virtual Tours. Overall, this is a great member of the Microsoft Encarta product line.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great resource, July 9, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Encarta Africana Third Edition [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

My music instructor suggested this cd rom for intro to music, from my oppinion,I think it is the best thing any student can use while in school. Since then I used it for my art presentatin, and history. Also, I think that every one should have one of this in their library.
I give this a five star rating.