Portugal and Africa [Hardcover]

David Birmingham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0312223196 | ISBN-13: 978-0312223199

The late-medieval Portuguese who arrived in Africa were colonizers in the Roman style, gold merchants on an imperial scale, conquistadores in the Hispanic tradition. Although their empire struggled to survive centuries of Dutch and English competition, it revived in the 20th century on a tide of white migration. Settlers, however, brought racial conflict as well as economic modernization and Portuguese colonies went through spasms of violence which resembled those of Algeria and South Africa. Liberation eventually came but peoples of the old colonial cities clung tightly to their acquired traditions, eating Portuguese dishes, writing Portuguese poetry, and studying in Portuguese universities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Since the 1960s David Birmingham has been one of the most perceptive observers of the unfolding story of Portuguese-speaking Africa...It is very appropriate, therefore, that in the year in which he officially retires this collection of essays should appear to mark the climax of a distinguished career...All these essays are written with an overriding preoccupation to communicate and to present complicated stories in a way that the reader can appreciate and assimilate...The reader of this collection will be taken on a nostalgic journey back through three decades of Afircan historiography and through the turbulent times that Angola has faced since 1961...One can almost hear future generations of history professors telling their students - read Miller, Hilton, Heimer and Pelissier, oh, and see what David Birmingham has to say on the subject.' - Malyn Newitt, African History 'Since the 1960s David Birmingham has been one of the most perceptive observers of the unfolding story of Portuguese-speaking Africa...little classics, intelligent, witty, informed and always enlightening.' - Malyn Newitt, Journal of African History --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

David Birmingham is Professor of Modern History at the University of Kent.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (August 14, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312223196
• ISBN-13: 978-0312223199
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,262,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.