Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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 info@Timbuktufoundation.org

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.

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.