Yorubaland: The Flowering of Genius (Kingdoms of Africa) [Library Binding]

Philip Koslow (Author)

Book Description

Series: Kingdoms of Africa | Publication Date: July 1995

Tracing the ancient Yoruba culture back to the fourth century B.C., this study of the Yoruba examines their rich history, sophisticated system of government, and influential religious beliefs.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up?This thoughtfully produced history of the Yoruba kingdoms meets a great need. It opens with Yoruba origin myths and continues with chapters on religion and art, the growth of the empire centered at Oyo and its culture, and, finally, its 19th-century decline. The last chapter makes brief references to Yoruba influence on African Diaspora cultures in the New World and on present-day Nigeria. The volume is richly illustrated with black-and-white and full-color photographs of Yoruba art and some engravings from European traveler accounts. Unfortunately, the author does not discuss how historians use these and such varied sources as archaeology and linguistics, as well as oral traditions and written accounts, to put together Yoruba history. Patricia and Fredrick McKissack are better at bringing issues of evidence alive in The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay (Holt, 1994). Also, the maps in Koslow's title are inadequate, failing to show clearly regions of key vegetation differences or to locate a number of places mentioned. The index lacks entries for some important terms. Despite such shortcomings, the book is a useful introduction.?Loretta Kreider Andrews, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

In the West African jungles the Yorub's culture and society created complex religious, social and political systems. Koslow's is a coverage which will appeal to grades 6 on up through adults: its focus on this African kingdom adds to the series and provides exact details about Yorubaland's development and contributions to the world. As relatively little has been produced on ancient Africa for kids or even adults, this is a highly recommended addition to a strong series which should be in every school library. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Library Binding: 72 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications (July 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791031322
• ISBN-13: 978-0791031322
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,999,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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