Timbuktu and the Songhay Empire: Al-Sa`Di's Ta'Rikh Al-Sudan Down to 1613 and Other Contemporary Documents (Islamic History and Civilization) [Hardcover]

John O. Hunwick (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 9004112073 | ISBN-13: 978-9004112070 | Publication Date: February 1999

The principle text translated in this volume is the "Ta'rikh Al-sudan" of the 17th-century scholar 'Abd al-Rahman al-Sa'di. The 30 chapters deal with the history of Timbuktu and Jenne, their scholars and the political history of the Songhay empire from the reign of Sunni 'Ali (1464-1492) through Moroccan conquest of Songhay in 1591 and down to the year 1613 when the Pashalik of Timbuktu became an autonomous ruling institution in the Middle Niger region. The year 1613 also marked the effective end of Songhay resistance. Other contemporary documents included are an English translation of Leo Africanus's description of West Africa, some letters relating to Sa'dian diplomacy and conquests in the Sahara and Sahel, al-Ifrani's account of Sa'dian conquest of Songhay, and an account of this expedition by an anonymous Spaniard.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'"This book provides a wealth of information on pre-modern West Africa, particularly on the Sonhay empire of the Niger river region and on the conquest of that empire by the Moroccan Sa'di dynasty during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.'
Stephen Cory, "Religious Studies Review, 2000.
'"Hunwick shares the rich data he has been able to accumulate during 40 years of intense researchit opens up new horizons for future generations of Islamicists and Africanists.'
Fatima Harrak, "The Journal of North African Studies, 2001.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Arabic

Product Details

• Hardcover: 412 pages
• Publisher: Brill Academic Pub (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9004112073
• ISBN-13: 978-9004112070
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,001,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > History > Africa > Mali

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Black African History!!!!, January 17, 2004

By 

Rathael G. Fambro "alightinthedark" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Timbuktu and the Songhay Empire: Al-Sa`Di's Ta'Rikh Al-Sudan Down to 1613 and Other Contemporary Documents (Islamic History and Civilization) (Hardcover)

The Tarikh Al-Sudan,is one of the many compilations of Black African History. Written by a Black African scholar in the Arabic language, (which was much more widely used in that era than now), the author has done a good job.

The Dynasties, Scholars of the area, African ethnic groups, etc., are well covered. I think the "Tarikh Al-Fettah", should also be translated into English.

For those people in the world who still refuse to aknowledge Black African Civilizations, initiatives, and accomplishments, this is a good read.

Currently in Mali today there are 15 families that have preserved over 50,000 volumes of African History in that area. There is a current project underway to save these priceless materials. Contact [e-mail]

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Work - Well Worth the Price., April 22, 2004

By 

C.R.B. (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Timbuktu and the Songhay Empire: Al-Sa`Di's Ta'Rikh Al-Sudan Down to 1613 and Other Contemporary Documents (Islamic History and Civilization) (Hardcover)

African History scholar John O. Hunwick deserves the utmost praise for this work. Do not let the price deter you, seriously, the volume is well worth the price and even more. Others familiar with the history of the Songhai Empire know that for the past hundred-plus years this 'golden' book could only be accessed by those who knew the original 16th-century classical Arabic, or the French and German translations from the 1800's. The Songhai Empire was amazing and here we as mankind are blessed to have Hunwick translate this all-important Songhai court document into English for the first time ever. Curious about the illustrious and powerful Askia dynasty, Songhai imperial orchestras, the unbeatable Songhai army, river navies, queens, and the never-ending trade of gold? This Songhai classic is a true work of art, an imperial court document that will astound the reader with its amazing detail of Songhai's legacy as the richest empire of Africa's Golden Age.

2 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars $147!, October 14, 2003

By 

Craig Coleman (FPO, AE United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Timbuktu and the Songhay Empire: Al-Sa`Di's Ta'Rikh Al-Sudan Down to 1613 and Other Contemporary Documents (Islamic History and Civilization) (Hardcover)

My God! $147 dollars. I would love to read this book, but without even reading some sample pages I can't take the chance that it's the book I'm looking for. Author/publisher: please include sample pages or reduce the price.