Africa Books

Messay Kebede skillfully and creatively explores the ways in which African Philosophy has developed as a result of the colonial discourse, as well as the terms, conditions, responsibilities, and risks that it faces in the present as it attempts to forge its own path into the future. While academically and scholarly sound, it too pays close attention to the ethical and political implications of such a study as it pertains to a continent that is faced with both a troubled past (from within and from without) and the need to develop its own identity in this postmodern world. The text is a fabulous read in its ability to be both challenging and enjoyable.

This text is easily one of the best in current reviews and analyses of African philosophy. I agree with an earlier reviewer, that if you can only read one text in the field, this is the one to read. It would make an excellent text to use in undergraduate course were it not, like most Rodopi texts, so very expensive. As a teacher of African philosophy, i regret that I cannot justify asking my students to buy a text that costs so much. They could learn so very much from it.

As a senior philosophy major, I had the opportunity to study Dr. Kebede's work "Africa's Quest for a philosophy of Decolonization" in our African Philosophy seminar, which was also taught by Dr. Kebede, here at the University of Dayton. The format of the seminar was the following: We students were to read and study a chapter from Africa's Quest and Dr. Kebede would then lecture on it for the first half of class; in the second half we would critically evaluate the various philosophical positions as explicated by the professor and his book. After we had completed this vigorous yet very enjoyable seminar, it was clear to me, and, I am sure, as well as to the other students, that Dr. Kebede left no points unexamined, no rock unturned during our arduous journey, one that all good philosophical discourse must endure.
From the outset, it is obvious that Dr. Kebede put an enormous amount of thought and effort into this work; not only does he deal with African Philosophy in a critical and fundamental way, he moves from the fundamental to give life to a vast and interconnected web of philosophies. Dr. Kebede's work is comprehensive in that he utilizes many if not all major branches of philosophy to give a complete view of the issues. Here I will briefly summarize the chapters that we spent the most time on, chapters one through six.
In chapter one, Dr. Kebede begins with the West's first contact with Africa. When the Europeans arrived, they could not comprehend the African or his world. In fact, so called scholars such as Levy-Bruhl thought that Africans had minds that were pre-logical. Dr. Kebede tactfully exposes the contradictions in Levy-Bruhl's view and changes from defense to offense as he explains post-modernist views of Western society. Dr. Kebede questions Western rationality and its insistence on its own normative force. Foreshadowing proceeding chapters, Dr. Kebede asks whether such a rational view of the world is the view that should be taken by humanity; also, the first chapter serves as a launching point for the rest because it gives the foundation for the different ways that Africans reacted to the West. Although a few believe that traditional Africa had philosophy, Dr. Kebede makes clear that many scholars believe that African philosophy was developed as a result of the European colonial intervention.
In chapter two, Dr. Kebede starts with a discussion of a Belgian missionary's book "la Philosophie bantoue" (Bantu Philosophy). Written in 1945, Dr. Kebede explains the anti-colonial significance of this work along with its problematic consequences. In "la Philosophie bantoue", Tempels formulates from his missionary work a psychological account of how one comes to religious beliefs. This account is universal and holds for everyone; immediately, Tempels denies Levi-Bruhl's characterization of the African. Tempels explains that the Bantu in fact have philosophy even though it is not scientific; Africans have their own ontology that rejects any scientific advances. For the Bantu, being is force-by their own ontology they were prevented from acting on objects because they did not believe that one could manipulate them as the West had conceived. In a recurring theme, Tempels rejects that Europeans are superior to Africans in any evolutionary way. Dr. Kebede argues that Tempels' view mirrors Rousseau's in that the "primitive" is in a more moral, natural and happier state than the Europeans. Although Temples' thesis does dispel notions of African inferiority, his arguments for an African philosophy are inadequate as shown by a discussion of Hountondji in chapter four.
In chapter three, Dr. Kebede explains a position called Ethnophilosophy, which is devoted to African otherness. The most influential trend in Ethnophilosophy is negritude and its main proponent is Leopold Sedar Senghor. Senghor points out that Africans are different than Europeans because of certain biological adjustments as a result of their respective environments. The African, because of the warm environment in which he lives, has a greater capacity for the emotive, while the cold environment of Northern Europe rendered the Europeans more aggressive. Out of these contexts, the African and the European have different developed capabilities, yet essentially share all potential ones as humans. Senghor believes that a synthesis of man will complete humanity which is the ultimate human goal-both the European and the African are equally valuable. At the end of the chapter, Dr. Kebede includes a very interesting discussion of Mbiti's position of "religion as an ontological phenomenon".
In chapter four, Kebede explains Hountondji's rejection of pre-colonial African philosophy. By rejecting the notion that African's had philosophy, Hountondji is rejecting the otherness of Africans. He thinks that treating sections of humanity as inherently different will inevitable result in the ranking of these groups. Hountondji rejects Tempels in that he defines philosophy as critical, individual and systematic reflection that must involve a scientific aspect. Hountondji maintains that Bantu Philosophy is collected belief and is only the philosophy of Tempels. Instead, he advocates using African history and tradition to help form a modern African society with a philosophic spirit. Dr. Kebede also discusses the views of Frantz Fanon who used Hegel's dialectic to come up with a theory of violence. Fanon thought that only when the Africans were willing to use violence against the colonizers and die would they gain recognition as equals from their oppressors and gain their freedom.
Chapter five gives the view of those that advocate particularism while rejecting Ethnophilosophy. Cheikh Anta Diop, Dr. Kebede writes, believes that Senghor is selling Africans short. Diop says that Egypt was black, that it gave birth to philosophy and that the Greeks stole it from them. Subsequently, throughout history, the Europeans denied that Africans ever invented anything because of their own narcissism and false pride which forced Africans to internalize the colonial discourse. Dr. Kebede explains that critiques of Diop include the inability to scientifically prove the race of the Egyptians, as well as the accusation of reverse racism.
In the sixth chapter, Dr. Kebede gives a philosophical explication of how the West used the past or the original source (of their societies) to spring ahead in the future on a path of progress and meaning. Dr. Kebede argues that the past is an important part of cultural change, and that the internalization of the colonial discourse causes Africans to consider their past worthless and change for them becomes impossible. Only a pluralistic understanding of history will allow for the banishing of "the model" and allow cultures to appreciate their history and progress from it.
Finally, there are four more chapters that expand upon and give new application to the above discourses. Having worked with the book's author in raising questions and discussing the book and having been so impressed with both the book and the seminar, I conclude by highly recommending Dr. Kebede's "Africa's Quest for a Philosophy of Decolonization".

Scott Straus is a certifiable genius when it comes to genocide. His class was the most informative and life-changing course in the history of the University of Oregon. The University of Wisconsin is extremely lucky to be gaining him as a faculty member. Everyone should buy this book and support this amazing man. Not only is Straus brilliant, but he is "much sexier in person", to quote a UN official.

Before meeting Straus, everyone should know: Rwanda was NOT ancient tribal hatreds.

Scott Strauss and David K. Leonard marvelously delinate the African quagmire with a sense of optomism and honesty. The book boldy breaks down a myriad of preconcieved misconceptions and offers a scholarly aproach that shows the potential for a rebirth of the African continent. Many thanks to these brilliant men.

Let us say one thing...Scott Straus is a brilliant man. How do we know this? Scott Straus is our Professor and although we haven't read the book we have complete faith that his brilliance radiates from the work. Once we finish the monstrous amount of reading he assigned in his class we will be sure to read this book and we have no doubt we will enjoy it...and you will too.

I bought this book in Kampala, Uganda because I was so impressed with the quality of the writing, imagery, reproduction and binding. When I got home I wanted to give copies to friends, so here I am writing a review at Amazon.com! On the front cover, under the thatch roof, is the word "Mauya" which means "welcome" but it is not included in the glossary at the back of the book. Even the letter "X" gets better treatment than traditional English ABC books. It is great fun to read and savor.

Imaginatively written and colorfully illustrated by Jacqui Taylor, An African ABC (featuring Christopher, Lauren, and the Cat) is one of those rare ABC books that can be as enthusiastically recommended for readers preschool through senior citizen! Preschoolers will benefit by learning their alphabet in a poetry style context; older children will improve their vocabularies and the use of the glossary; while adults will enjoy the Africa-based rhymes and illustrations providing information and insights into African flora, fauna, places and customs. Sturdily bound for an extended shelve life, An African ABC would make an original and welcome addition to any family, school, or community library collections.

The alliteration and rhyming is superb, and the language is rich. I am shockedby the number of animals and things which are obscure to americans, my 2 year old son knows. this book is a treasure!

Davidson is famous for his series of documentaries that have aired on public television that chronicle the development of Africa, African wildlife, and even modern Africa. This work is no less exceptional. In this book, Davidson puts together primary and secondary sources relative to Early West Africa, Early East Africa, Antiquity, The Meeting of West Africa to Europe, as well as materials relative to and from the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth centuries. Davidson's editorial comments are rather insightful, whether helping to frame an issue in perspective or to introduce a totally new contributor. The combination of Davidson's respect for Africa and the wealth of material found in this anthology of sorts makes this book a must for the Afrophile or for the casual reader interested in the history of Africa and its people.

Placing African history as vital to world history, Basil Davidson creates a much needed revision of the history of the mother continent. Beginning with the African civilization of Egypt and Nubia, Davidson explores all periods of African civilization from antiquity to modern times. Though at times he adds his personal perspective, he relies primarily with presenting the reader with documentations written centuries ago, by Africans, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Imperialist Europeans. Not so great for someone unfamiliar with African history, but a great add for those of us that are. Essential for a complete library of World history.

The book begins with a clear and erudite essay on the follies of eurocentrism and other roadblocks into the study of African History. It then follows with a short explanation of the sources for african history (Roman, Arabic, African ect). And then comes the great part. Page after page of first hand accounts of african cultures and civilization. Descriptions of an ancient world from those who actually were there. The stories of warriors, scholars, merchents and emporors. Even if this was fiction it would still be great! From Ancient nubia and ethiopia, right up to modern day africa. This book is a must have, must read, must buy. But this book you will not regret it! Buy Now!

Dr. Moss fills a gap in the literature for an introductory text covering both the politics and economics of Sub-Saharan Africa. The book covers the history of the region since independence, its economic stagnation and the role of local players as well as international trade, aid and finance. It is written in an accessible and engaging style that will appeal not only to those taking introductory courses on Africa, but also anyone interested in learning about development and some of its greatest challenges.

I have worked in HIV/AIDS biomedical research and I have recently entered the international development/global health arena. This book is absolutely essential reading to anyone going into this field because one must have a full understanding of the people, organizations, history, and politics at play in African development. Dr. Moss has made an outstanding contribution to improving the welfare of the African continent by educating those of us involved in the effort!!

This book sets out to "provide some of the basic information about development in sub-Saharan Africa to smooth the progress of further study." That's exactly what you get: not 'the answers', but an extremely clear, thorough, and sure-handed guide to all the right questions. No better such guide exists. If you're looking for the smart person's entry point, this is it. If you're an experienced researcher or practitioner looking for a framework within which to organize your thoughts, this is it, too.

Moss gives concise biographies of the most important postcolonial 'big men', sharp summaries of some of the key events that have shaped the development process across the continent, and painstakingly even-handed but clear-eyed synopses of the different sides of international debates on aid policy, trade, investment, and others. The text always provokes thought but never condescends. The author is a PhD political scientist who used to write for The Economist newspaper, which should tell you that 1) the writing is crisp and exact, and 2) he knows his economics, but 3) is never 'economistic' and has a firm grasp of the political forces that shape Africa's response to outsiders' development efforts.

To give you the flavor, here are the "ten tips for sensibly studying African development" whose discussion in Chapter One motivates the survey to follow: "1. There are no panaceas and few quick fixes", "2. Don't believe the (good and bad) hype", "3. Resist the temptation to exoticize", "4. Development is always political", "5. Development is more than money", "6. Be careful with 'facts'", "7. Be skeptical of data", "8. Keep perspective on Africa's size", "9. Get to know some specific countries", "10. Go! [to Africa]".

from -Journal of North African Studies
"[A] significant, welcome step forward, not only in the study of African slavery but also more broadly in the history of the African Diaspora. The book is a series of translated primary source documents . . . organised topically and includ[ing] over 80 representative texts addressing the process of enslavement, markets, everyday life, social roles, identity, education, gender issues, status and social mobility, and emancipation. . . . A short historical contextualisation accompanies each major topic, introducing related textual selections.
"Introductory articles by Hunwick and Troutt Powell are among the best available on slavery in Islam and do a good job of orienting readers new to the subject. . . . [This is] the first collection of its kind in any language, and brings together texts from diverse origins. In this, the editors' selective approach matches well with the overarching purposes of the book. . . . Those interested in the origins of slavery in the Sahara and Maghrib will not only find useful primary materials to draw on, but also a broader framework for understanding the nature of the institution and some of its comparative dynamics over time. . . . [The authors] have offered an effective way of enticing the next generation of researchers." -Journal of North African Studies

For all true searchers and researches of the truth about Moslems and Islam and its hidden but still contemporary agenda of harassing, massacring and erasing other's cultures, the "inferior" culture of the infidels, this masterpiece is a must- simply imperative!

Its authors are heroes, no doubt about.

The frequently over looked subject of Islamic slavery is fianlly brought to light in this important new work on the subject. The focus here is on the Africans sent to North Africa via the slave routes stretching acorss the Sahara and those beggining in Zanzibar. Between the 7th century and the present it is estimated that 11 million Africans were taken as Slaves to the muslim world. This book explains how they were captured, transported and most important their new lives in the Muslim world. Usual accounts paint a picture of a paradise where a slave lived as an equal and assimilated into the Muslim soceity. The reality was quite different then the western myth. This book tells of African women chosen only for their sexual attributes then used as sex slaves, any resulting children would be sold or 'pimped' off by the owner rather then living freely as Qu'ranic law sopposedly guaranteed. Here we have a wonderful new account of the Africans deported to North Africa, a story frequently overlooked in western history, which is all to often caught up in self flagulation of describing the Atlantic slave trade.

Seth J. Frantzman

Solid and balanced research, fascinating story, well-written and covers an event little-known to history. A significant amount of the work in Africa done by German paelontologists such as Fraas and Stromer and their resident Austrian assistant, Markgraf, was lost in the British bombing of Germany during WWII. It's good to see this history reconstructed. In this regard, see also "The Lost Dinosaurs of Egypt" and "Notes from Diary--Fayum Trip, 1907."

This is a great read - a nicely crafted story of a nearly forgotten time and series of events that led to some great discoveries! I like the way the story unfolds, the way the narrative reveals the challenges and intrigue surrounding this African dinosaur adventure. But I especially appreciated the huge amount of facts, details, and explanations which must have been the result of significant research by the author into this subject. Nice book; great dino story!

This work of original research is not your "run of the mill" dinosaur book. It makes extensive use of European archival sources to seamlessly weave both history and palaeontology together to tell the story of Tendaguru. It is detailed, thorough and challenging! The photos, many seen for the first time, are awesome.

Asante Sane - Danke Schon - Merci Beaucoup - Muchos Gracias: A world of THANKS for a book that meets the inspirational needs of the contemporary multiculturalist who loves stylish fashion wear, unique interior design and simple creative construction. The beautiful illustrations were quite fascinating and they served as great enhancement to the book's well written information and neat instruction. From the front cover to the back cover and all of the pages in between, author Ronke Luke-Boone takes the reader on an exciting journey that is richly infused with lessons in history, geography, fabric preservation, nifty sewing techniques, super shopping resources and much, much more. Most valuable for me is the instruction she provides for working with the popular mud cloth, Kubba cloth and Kente. Unfortunately, these hand crafted textiles defy the sewing logic that is normally associated with that of the symmetrically printed machine woven fabrics. One must be taught how to reinforce these ethnic textiles correctly and how to lay the patterns properly to prevent the completed garment from taking on a life of its own while it is being worn. Ms. Luke-Boone provided a corrective experience for me in this regard. Previously, I had not had the desired success in working with these fabrics, so I had set them aside. Reading through the book several times was the much needed source of motivation that guided me to complete two Kubba cloth pillows and a beautiful mosaic swing coat, pieced with mud cloth, denim, Korhogo, calvary twill and tea-dyed linen burlap,just as she instructed. At last, no more quality control issues with these fabrics. I recommend this publication to any one from any culture who has basic sewing skills and a great flair for exotic styling.

This is a wonderful book for the garment sewer who wants to work with African fabrics. You learn about the characteristics of a variety of African fabrics, how to recognize true mudcloth, fancy prints vs. wax prints etc. and how and where to buy them in and outside Africa. -Plus you learn technical tips on how to sew these fabrics, and the book is full of pictures of clothing that incorporates them. The book has staying power. It even includes patterns in the back.

African Fabrics provides crafts people with fourteen original projects which use African fabrics to create tunics, place mats, pillows, shawls and other items. Discussions of mudcloth, fancy prints, Kuba cloth and Kente cloth, among others, provide a unique and excellent introduction to African fabrics as a whole, making this more than just a crafts guide. A wide audience will find it important for both its historical overview of African fabrics and its artistic/crafts attractions.

297 Pages Hardback, 12" x 10.25", Hundreds of items from all over Africa illustrated in full colour. A remarkable book focusing on African Design in the following categories : Furniture, Containers, Musical Instruments, Weapons, Adornment, Textiles and Devotion. Ginzberg makes his case for the beauty of African Forms in mediums other than masks and figures, and he has chosen the items very well. Very well photographed and nicely proportioned objects on good quality paper in a very fine volume. Highly recommended.

This book is one of best African Art books so far published. Beautiful pictures, beautiful objects, carefully selected and printed on high quality paper.
If you're interested in more than African masks and fetishes. This is the one.

This is a gorgeous book. As a filmmaker who makes films about rituals, celebrations, and ethnic traditions, I was delighted to see how the soul and culture of the people comes accross through their objects. And these objects are beautiful - textural and detailed to the point where one can almost touch them. The photographer did a great job using lighting that gives the work a three-dimensional look. But this is more than just a great photo book. The careful explanations that accompany each one demonstrate the sophistication and refined aesthetic of people who were once easily dismissed as "primitive". I found it interesting to note how vast their use of materials was - wood, metals, beads, ceramics, etc. Although not a collector in any way, I would have been glad to own any of these objects. Better yet, I now own the book, and would definately recommend it.

As a Woman of Color, I'm not sure what to make of this affluent and educationally priviledged white woman's 'journey' to South Africa and its healing tradition. Self-congratulation at the expense of discerning the structuring of Difference seems to be the keynote here. But I suppose the 'Heart of Darkness' fantasy/nightmare lives on in a contemporary hypocrisy; yet it is not usually so grotesque as it appears here. The tremendous courage and intelligence of other theorists, especially of course African American writers but also a few white writers, who write on Africa and its glorious tradition, remains a great Spiritual resource for me. This book most certainly does not number among the books which I would recommend to the young African Americans that I teach. I would have wished that this white author had examined the incredibly insightful bell hooks and other important writers' books for an *intelligent* perspective on contemporary African discourse.

Thank you so much for writing this book. Thank you for revealing your personal journey so tenderly, so honestly, honoring your western influence and yet opening to the mysteries of the unknown and yet familiar. Thank you for reminding me of the Great Web, the weaver and the thread. Thank you for this book that sits in my lap urging me to continue following my own path of healing.

I started browsing this book and couldn't put it down until I read every word. What a brave and fascinating adventure story. What a insightful and honest look into the sacred Sangoma tradition. An absolute "must read" for anyone interested in indigenous spirituality and culture. I loved it!