Africa Books

This is a fabulous novel, and I highly recommend it. It's very sensitively written and deals not only with current South African affairs but with the nature of families and blood ties. Such an interesting look at how the same members of one family can view things in such wildly different ways. Don't miss this one...

Well, the literary work was duly delivered by Amazon; and so I immediately (of course) set aside the "Steinbeck", "Hemingway" or some such other "classic" which was currently at hand.....in favor of this newly discovered contemporary writer......and, I have to say, this is one GOOD book......excellent!

The theme of the story was indeed disturbing and very troubling........but, I'm sure, not unrealistic in the context of what happens in today's South Africa. There was drama and tension, humor, excellent character portrayals, and just the right measure of sexual tension.....actually, let me take that back.....more, much more, on the voluptuous "Maria" would have been better.....!

Yes, a terrific book.

It was exciting to read this new book from the author. The characters and plot are well developed and the the writing has great empathy. She deals with very real issues, both in South Africa and California, and the interplay of family relationships is well described. I loved this book.

When I ordered this book I wasn't sure what to expect. I've never had Somali food, but heard about a Somali Restaurant in another state that was really good. Rather than travel I though I would try my hand at it since I'm a huge fan of cooking world cuisines.
The first thing I loved is that there is a color photo for nearly every recipe. When you are unfamiliar with a cuisine I think this helps to let you know what it should look like and what you might find more appealing.
I have made some of the recipes and was so pleased that I'm encouraged to make more of them. The ingredients are obtainable in most grocery stores and the instructions are clear and simple. Clearly this was a labor of love for the author and her effort shows. As a picky eater I didn't find this to be a scary cuisine filled with fish eye stew type recipes. These home style meals have great appeal, are economical and would be a HIT at your next dinner party. This book does include some nice desserts and some refreshing alcohol free drinks as well.

I have used most of the recipes in this book, they are very well detailed, simple, and so delicious.

I always wanted to know how Somali cuisine was prepared and cooked, this book was indeed my openning into that venue and now I am becoming a specialized cook in the recipes contained in this book.

I highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who wants to cook any sizzling recipes and different kinds of spicy and not so spicy foods.

Job very well done!

Great Cookbook! I love everything! Highly recommend for anyone who loves all things ethnic.

To do business in Africa, you must learn how Africans do business! Nowhere is this more important than in South Africa. Western investors, project managers, and business pioneers who wish to tap this dynamic frontier market must master African marketing methods. Distinguished African mercantile clans have honed and polished their methods and have formed notable, sophisticated, and successful trading companies across the continent for the past 2,000 years. Surely they have much to teach us. We must learn more about Africans in order to work more closely with them. We do not want Africans to perceive us as patronizing, arrogant, unwilling to learn African languages, contemptuous of local tradition, and hesitant to socialize with Africans.
Author Jeffrey A. Fadiman considers Africa as the West's commercial blind spot, believing we have ignored Africa since the 1960s and thus we have never learned how Africans do business. His book describes how we can use African methods to market African-style. He gives case studies of twenty-one African entrepreneurs. Fadiman knows Africa. He is a full professor of global marketing and an African area specialist with 32 years of experience in western, eastern, and southern Africa. He writes for the commercial pioneer who wants to venture beyond South Africa's small white market into the huge black market of more than 40 million with another 400 million beyond its borders. South Africa is the launch pad for the continent.
The book begins where you would-on the day you decide to launch a South African venture. Fadiman explains which tribes live where, what languages they speak, and where the markets are. Next he leads you through the history of South African racism, tribalism, and apartheid to illustrate precisely how each of these problems can still throw up major obstacles to Westerners who come for business.
After this rather sober beginning, the author takes you on a fascinating journey into the very heart of African methods, teaching you how to market yourself ("creating relationships") before even thinking of marketing your product. To do this well, you must learn how Africans greet, give gifts, do favors, show respect, and socialize as well as how their "big men" conduct negotiations, implement agreements, deal with labor, and so on. Then you must consider how to reach new market segments that have no U.S. parallels: dynamic African townships, extensive rural communities, and the large number of foreign Africans now pouring into South Africa.
Fadiman's tour then takes you into the "shadow" side of African marketing. You learn how to market your product through street hawkers and smugglers and even how to use the "tsotsi" (gangster) bands to implement your project. Fadiman is shockingly honest in analyzing South African crime. He tells it like it is and then suggests pragmatic and specific and effective methods to cope with it. In conclusion, Fadiman describes the sheer joy of working with a people whose optimism, exuberance, and love of life makes every day an adventure.

This book is more than just another lay-of-the-land, how-to for international business. Offering usable insights into the Sub-Saharan African culture, this text proved invaluable in establishing lasting African relationships... both personal and professional!

This book is scary! It tells you just what to do in order to penetrate South Africa's largest market of 40 million people, huge but chaotic. That's daunting to the commercially timid, but the text is geared to business pioneers who by nature defy discouragement. Fadiman tells us what's actually happening in the "Black" market, even the politically incorrect things that are often left out of books about controversial places. Then, having described how the local business games are actually played, he graphically delineates the rules so that an outsider can understand and participate. Essentially, he has created the ultimate business map.

His first chapter describes the national social geography, including both the visible and invisible sections of every major South African city. We all know of the visible, city names such as Johannesburg and Durban. The invisible sections are the African townships that surround each city -- which until recently were on no official maps. The townships contain millions of potential clients who were long dismissed as oppressed.

I skipped part of the long history lesson in Chapter 2, but as I read further I was glad it was there, up front. Here are some unforgettable concepts to consider. For instance, Fadiman argues that South Africa's whites did NOT create apartheid just to separate the races, but to reduce the millions of blacks to PULP (Permanent Underpaid Labor Pool), so as to maximize their private profit. Nowadays, these same millions can afford to buy the goods and services once reserved for whites. Fadiman's goal is to teach us how to sell to them.

One huge market that Fadiman explores is the African black market. It is untaxed, vast and completely unregulated. That suggests it should be chaotic as well. But he shows it to be highly structured, essentially efficient, and quite penetrable by Western marketers with open minds and imaginative methods. His examples of methods draw on either his own local experiences or on techniques that have worked in other emerging markets. Thus he describes a tactic used by James Thompson, the legendary silk king of Thailand, arguing that what works for Thai silk could do wonders for African wool.

The book pulls no punches in describing the risks of entry into the market. It's the old Wild West, but with carjackers instead of cowboys. Yet for every risk Fadiman offers practical personal action suggestions. I now know, for instance, that I have to see the bottom of the tires on the vehicle in front of me to have enough space to spin away from potential carjackers. Unusual stuff from a biz-school academic.

One structural criticism: The very last section should stand by itself. Although written in business prose, it's a short elegant poem, a tribute to the beauty and wonder of this unusual country by an author who does not ignore its problems. Readers of this book however will be mostly concerned with how to make money in a country with 60 million inhabitants who show another 400 million throughout Africa how to do things. Fadiman gives them the answers they need, but he also makes sure that they know, in colorful and often striking detail, why his answers will actually work.

This is one of the best books ever written on South Africa's military involvement in Southern Africa. It reveals more about the battles fought by South Africa's army, than most people are aware of. It has an indepth coverage from 1966 to 1989. Along with special sections on relevant military units like The South African "Recces" special forces, and 32 batalion both renown for their abilities in battle. There are also sections on the political decision making taking place, amongst various relevant parties. The numerous photos that can be seen throughout the book are very impressive in what they convey. In essence what it was like to be there. The South African Defence Force constantly fought against overwhelming odds, yet always rising to the task, and consistently coming out as winners.
I highly recommend this book for anymore who wants really know about, and understand the conflicts the SADF fought in, with courage and tenacity.

As the previous reviewer stated, this has got to be absolutely one of the best books written on South Africa's military involvement in South West Afrika (Namibia) and Angola. Most non-South Africans (and even many South African's these days) are unaware of just how intense and prolonged the fighting was, particularly in Angola against the Cubans (the South African's trashed them). This book tells the complete story, covering the period from 1966 to 1989. It covers the battles, the units (including special forces units like the Recces) as well as the politics.

The book is a large coffee-table format and going with the size, it includes an absolutely outstanding range of photos. I've got friends who were there, they've browsed through this book and said "ag nie manne, that was what it was like!" One of my friends was based in a military outpost photo'd in the book and he pointed out all the camp's features from the photo. It's that kind of book - if you get a chance to pick up a copy, grab it with both hands and your feet as well - it's worth it. And the author knows what he's talking about, he was there.

This is one of the best books ever written on South Africa's military involvement in Southern Africa. It reveals more about the battles fought by South Africa's army, than most people are aware of. It has an indepth coverage from 1966 to 1989. Along with special sections on relevant military units like The South African "Recces" special forces, and 32 batalion both renown for their abilities in battle. There are also sections on the political decision making taking place, amongst various relevant parties. The numerous photos that can be seen throughout the book are very impressive in what they convey. In essence what it was like to be there. The South African Defence Force constantly fought against overwhelming odds, yet always rising to the task, and consistently coming out as winners.
I highly recommend this book for anymore who wants really know about, and understand the conflicts the SADF fought in, with courage and tenacity....

As you may well guess it is an Osprey publication. Only the finest information is to be had by this firm. Excellent information on subject matter as well as photos and color plates. A must for historians and modelers of this subject.

Not much has been written about the South African Defense Forces. Like Isreal, South Africa of the late cold war was surrounded and under siege. It cannot invade and occupy forgien land. So instead the SADF raised commando units, from Recce Commandos and the Parabats to 32nd Battalion, to strike at their enemies to great effect. I wish that a deffinative book about South African special forces could be written and published in America.

A comprehensive and fascinating book, a good primer on the elite of the SADF and SA Police Services. Besides the Recce Commandos, covers such units as the SA Marines, the Police "Hunter" units of the 60s and 70s, and the 44 Para Brigade and Pathfinders. Highly recommended.

This wonderful and insightful work by Pierre Englebert is one of the best works out there on the political economy of Africa. His thesis is that Africa's wide range of economic experiences (despite the general malaise) has its roots in the varying levels of historical legitimacy exhibited by African states. He backs this argument up with impressive quantitative data and a qualitative look into how illegitimacy retards growth and development. His most controversial claims come as he questions that sanctity of the state boundaries bestoyed on Africa by colonialism. Brilliant, insightful and accessible!

I learned a lot from reading this book. It provides both a very thorough and detailed account of Africa's mixed development fortunes and an original theory of development and underdevelopment. It is very well written.

This book provides a sophisticated and nuanced theory of African underdevelopment, which also explains African success stories! It represents one of the most important theoretical advances in African studies in a long time, and it is not dogmatic at all. This book incorporates historical, sociological, political and economic insights to derive a general theory of the determinants of poverty and weak state capacity in Africa. It is very well written and will be accessible to undergraduates as well as advanced readers. Rich in statistical evidence, the text always remains clear, even to the quantitative novice, and is full of real life examples. A compelling argument and a real "tour de force."

I bought a book back in 1992. Used it for travels to Asia and Afrika. Handy size can always fit your backpack, no matter how light you must pack. I used it for rough trips, as well as for trips around Europe with kids. The book covers all essential aspects that you will need for your travel: (i) which vaccinations to take before you go and what to pack, (ii) what precautions to take to stay fit and healthy, (iii) what to do in case you get sick and (iv) what is the bottom line when you really need to stop being your own doctor and need to find a physician. The book is well structured and you find in a second the topic you are looking for. I strongly recomend the book to travelers who are serious about staying healthy.

I found this book to be very informative. It showed the vaccines that you should get but not only that. It told about the bugs and "creepy crawlies" that you should stay away from in your particular country you are going to. It told of the plants that are poisonous and to stay away from there water unless you have a purifier. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is goind to a third world country!

I have travelled and lived all over the world and I always have this book with me. Not only does it cover how to protect yourself, but if you do get sick it helps you to get better. I love that it includes different drugs for you to take for different bugs, and it tells you the exact dosage. This comes in handy when you are living in the bush in Africa, no doctor for hundreds of miles, but a well stocked pharmacy near by. I HIGLY recomend this book or anyone planning to travel or live overseas.

In his book, "Abafana", Stef de Klerk has created the perfect blend of artistry and erotica by coupling his physically attractive models with the lush land and seascapes of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

The photographs are well-composed and the colors are faithfully reproduced by the printer who beautifully captures the interaction of the setting sun and the warm skin of the chosen model(s).

The attractive young men of the Xhosa tribe are featured with and without various props, at all times in good taste and proud of their heritage.

I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the physical beauty of the nude black male and encourage you to add it to your own personal library.

This is art. These are incredible pictures of black african males in their context. The complement of the African scenery with their luscious bodies made me discover an entire new perspective on african male nude.
If you love art and photography this is your book. If you love black males, this is for you.

Nubian gods in situtaions and poses that will appeal to the most salacious aspects of human sexuality. VERY HOT STUFF.

It was a pleasure to read this creative work. I found I did not want to put it down, anxiously waiting to see how the author would tie all the loose ends together. - It was superbly done, and has me eagerly anticipating her next book.

It was a pleasure to read this creative piece of work. I found I did not want to put it down, anxiously waiting to see how the author would tie all the loose ends together. - It was superbly done, and has me anticipating her next book.

One of two new beautifully written, fascinating books by Marie Warder - author of "The Bronze Killer". One cannot but feel sympathy for the young Marguerite caught in the web of her marriage, and we are drawn from page to page in the hope that all will be well in the end. It is always so interesting to read about places you have visited and to learn the early history of the area. I was in Cape town, South Africa in the early 90's so I have been to the top of Table Mountain and have sipped the wine in the Stellenbosch vineyards. Both books have a soft cover, which I especially enjoy as I like to read books in bed or laying on a chaise lounge on the patio. They are also very reasonably priced. I highly recommend both books as a definite must read

Fue necesario unir los campesinos y trabajadores -los victimas del capitalismo- para llevar a cabo la revolucion democratica en el pais de Sudafrica, en contra de los mismos capitalistas. Y no solo fue una clase capitalista en su pais, sino un imperialismo que extraia ganancias de muchos paises del sur y centro de su continente.

Parece ironico, pero asi es el dilema del capitalismo en su fase imperialista actual. Sudafrica era uno de los ultimos ejemplos de lo que Lenin explicaba a principios del siglo XX en relacion de los paises sometidos al capitalismo (Imperialismo: la fase superior del capitalismo). Habiendo consumido su periodo revolucionario con la Guerra Civil de los Estados Unidos, de 1865 en adelante la burguesia ya no es capaz de ofrecer el liderazgo para ninguna revolucion democratica en ningun rincon del mundo. Unicamente los campesinos y trabajadores pueden instalar las leyes de igualdad, con la burguesia esperando impaciente de regresar del margen para tomar el poder una vez consumidas las necesidades democraticas.

Con Nelson Mandela de frente, el Congreso Nacional Africano impuso los minimos de igualdad, y asi acabo con un imperio pequeno pero tan brutal como el de Israel hoy en dia. Sudafrica sigue capitalista, pero ya no tiene segregacion para extraer super-ganancias.
from la Ciudad de Mexico

Este libro relata como Nelson Mandela y de su organización, el Congreso Africano Nacional, conquistaron el liderazgo de la revolución sudafricana democrática. Escrito en 1985 como un informe para la orientación de los militantes del Partido Socialista de los Trabajadores y de la Alianza de la Juventud Socialista en sus actividades contra el apartado, describe el papel internacionalista monumental de Cuba socialista. Su apoya militar y solidario a Angola enfrentó la agresión del régimen racista sudafricana entre 1975 y 1988, constituyéndose parte fundamental de la victoria del movimiento democrático antiracista en los años finales del siglo XX. Las lecciones de liderazgo revolucionario de Mandela y sus compañeros y compañeras sustenta el labor de los revolucionarios obreros anticapitalistas de hoy y mañana, en todos los países imperialistas -recordamos que Sudáfrica era un país imperialista-. Estas lecciones, especialmente para los que quieren erradicar el racismo y buscan un cambio social fundamental en los Estados Unidos examinan esta obra detalladamente.

Though published in 1985, nine years before the victory of the African National Congress against Apartheid, the main article in this book-length magazine Jack Barnes's "The Coming Revolution in South Africa," forecasts the way forward for the democratic revolution in South Africa and shows how the roots of a future socialist revolution in South Africa flow out of that struggle. Barnes, thenational secretary of the Socialist Workers Party, explains why the democratic tasks of national liberation and unification advanced by the ANC and its allies were the correct way forward for the peoples of South Africa. With examples from the policies of Lenin and the Russian Bolsheviks and theCuba and Nicaraguan revolutions, Barnes takes on sectarians who attacked the ANC because it did not have an explicitly anticapitalist program. Along with Barnes' speech, this issue contains "The Freedom Charter"--the political program the ANC advanced in the antiapartheid struggle -- "The Future Belongs to US" a Speech by ANC leader Oliver Tambo, a speech by Fidel Castro explainingwhy and how Cuba supported the freedom struggle in Angola, and a summary of the then latest stages in the South African struggle by Ernest Harsch.