A History of Nigeria (Paperback)

~ (Author), Matthew M. Heaton (Author)
Key Phrases: middle belt region, coastal middlemen, palm oil exports, History of Nigeria, Bight of Biafra, United Kingdom (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dissatisfied with too much emphasis placed by the existing historiography of Nigeria on political and economic developments of the 20th century, the authors... of this new history set out to provide a more balanced picture of the past by paying special attention to social and cultural themes and the longue durée.... They show the complexity, fragility, and contested nature of national identity.... Recommended." - Choice

Product Description

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and the world's eighth largest oil producer, but its success has been undermined in recent decades by ethnic and religious conflict, political instability, rampant official corruption and an ailing economy. Toyin Falola, a leading historian intimately acquainted with the region, and Matthew Heaton, who has worked extensively on African science and culture, combine their expertise to explain the context to Nigeria's recent troubles through an exploration of its pre-colonial and colonial past, and its journey from independence to statehood. By examining key themes such as colonialism, religion, slavery, nationalism and the economy, the authors show how Nigeria's history has been swayed by the vicissitudes of the world around it, and how Nigerians have adapted to meet these challenges. This book offers a unique portrayal of a resilient people living in a country with immense, but unrealized, potential.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (June 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052168157X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521681575
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #195,739 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #9 in	Books > History > Africa > Nigeria
  #15 in	Books > History > Africa > West Africa
  #53 in	Books > History > Africa > Central Africa

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A History of Nigeria, September 13, 2009

By	K. Iloenyosi (John's Creek, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The first book i've read that gives detailed insight into the area called Nigeria 10,000 BC. Walks you through history in a beautiful narrative, detailing events of each era up to the colonial period and post independence. It opened my eyes to the issues that have plagued Nigeria as a country politically, why we are where we are, and what the real issues were.

A must read for every Nigerian and friend of Nigeria.