We all originate from Africa, and though we have colonized the world, our most ancient relationship is with that continent and with the varied and constantly changing challenges it offers to human occupation. In this, his masterpiece, Reader tells the story of the rise and fall of remarkable civilizations, examining the changing patterns of life over many millenia, the devastating impact of European exploitation and the regent emergence of independent nations. This richly informative and beautifully illustrated book conveys ...
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We all originate from Africa, and though we have colonized the world, our most ancient relationship is with that continent and with the varied and constantly changing challenges it offers to human occupation. In this, his masterpiece, Reader tells the story of the rise and fall of remarkable civilizations, examining the changing patterns of life over many millenia, the devastating impact of European exploitation and the regent emergence of independent nations. This richly informative and beautifully illustrated book conveys the staggering diversity of human experience in the continent - from the deserts of the North to the rain forests of the Equator and the high veld of the South.
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Add this copy of Africa: a Biography of the Continent to cart. $43.42, like new condition, Sold by Kenya Books - Kenya & Africa rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brighton, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1997 by Hamish Hamilton.
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Seller's Description:
Fine. xxiv + 840pp, 8 maps and charts, 56 photgraphic illustrations, notes, extensive bibliography, index, endpaper maps. Unmarked, Fine in VG++ dustjacket. An extraordinary book for any student or lover of Africa, by an author with a quite unique experience of the continent stretching from the middle of the twentieth century. Highly readable and highly recommended panorama, history and portrait. T37.
A great introduction to Africa. Thanks for a great book of extraordinary depth.
flowjo
Jan 20, 2009
the bible for africaphiles
i have been on a reading program about africa and stumbled across this book by an accident. if i was going to recommend any one book to someone starting on a similar program about africa, i would highly recommend this book. it is all encompassing and thouroughly dazzling. mr.reader begins at the beginning with the continents forming and then proceeds through their shifting and reforming across many ages. he then tackles the beginnings of life: animal, vegetable and mineral. how this man managed to read all the sources he is quoting is incredible. but he has and he has synthesized it for us. who knew what a difference elephants made to farmers! or how the tsetse fly has influenced history, or that ethiopia had such a high civilization way back when in aksum. it is a big book but written in language accessible and interesting to lay men.truly a wonderful book.
