Who's Who in Africa [Hardcover]

Alan Rake (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0810825570 | ISBN-13: 978-0810825574

This book puts a spotlight on the political leaders of the ever-changing African continent. Concentrating on those in power, those recently in office who are likely to make a comeback, and those struggling to reach the top, it is particularly significant at a time when most African countries are changing from single party rule to multi-party democracy. The pattern of leadership has seen convulsive change over the last two years. Containing lively descriptions of Black Africa's top leadership, the book gives essential curricula vitae and goes much further, weighing the political importance and potential of hundreds of top personalities. Probing beyond the bare facts and dates, Rake puts the top leaders in true perspective.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Researchers anticipating the staccato style of the familiar Who's Who format will be surprised at the length of each entry in this welcome new biographical source on Africa's political leaders. The author, managing editor of London's New African magazine, aims to present not only facts but "insight, anecdote and comment and a general assessment." Each listing consists of a brief evaluative overview of the subject's personality and career, followed by a longer chronological biography detailing significant events and contributions. The book is arranged alphabetically by nation and then by individual, with an essential personal name index at the end. It covers only countries south of the Sahara and within those nations only those individuals who are politically important or demonstrate "political potential" (e.g., leaders, recent past leaders, and political hopefuls). Entries range in length from half a page to four pages. The spelling is British, and despite the biographical essay format the text tends toward a somewhat dry recital of dates, acronyms, and appointments. While its specialized focus and lengthy entries may have limited the scope of its contents, its 323 articles on individuals from 47 countries will fill a gap in most African collections. Its only comparable competition is the continuing Encyclopaedia Africana Dictionary of African Biography series (Reference Pubns., Vol. 1: 1977, Vol. 2: 1979, Vol. 3: 1992), whose first volume is already 15 years old. For public and academic libraries.
- James Moffet, Baldwin P.L., Birmingham, Mich.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This long-awaited volume has the benefit of the author's formidable experience of Africa...lucidly written and packed with illuminating detail, making his work an essential reference source (Africa Analysis )

...Perhaps no one is more qualified to paint Africa's leadership portrait than Alan Rake. (The African Guardian )

...an important reference work. (West Africa )

...valuable...presents them not just as politicians, but also as people. (Wilson Library Bulletin )

...a welcome addition... (New African )

...welcome...will fill a gap in most African collections...For public and academic libraries. (Library Journal )

...a sweeping view of the turmoil and political intrigue that have engulfed this part of the world over the last 35 to 40 years...a welcome addition to most reference collections... (Arba )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 456 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (March 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810825570
• ISBN-13: 978-0810825574
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,094,996 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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