Africa Books

In Past To Present, photographer Joan Almond has documented village life in Moslem desert communities for over twenty-five years: her travels and discoveries are documented in a work that shares her photos and many cultural insights. The photos are presented as full-page images unsullied by description; the text resides in the front for a fine introduction of Almond's efforts.

Enhanced with a brief but informative introduction by Karen Sinsheimer and Roberto Tejada's insightful essay, Joan Almond: The Past In The Present showcases an amazing and impressive photographic journey by documentary photographer Joan Almond through the Islamic desert communities of North Africa, Egypt, and the Middle East in a outstanding anthology of images featuring ordinary village people and daily life in a profound black-and-white photography that fully captures the spirit of a land and its people. Brief thoughts and a short essay or two are interspersed between the lengthy sections of captivating photographs. An extraordinary look at the human culture and the daily quest to survive and prosper, Joan Almond: The Past In The Present is a very highly recommended and enduring contribution to personal, professional, and academic collections.

Almond has spent over 25 years photographing the life of Muslem people in Third World settings, following their rituals, religion, and personal lives. Almond Eyed: Past In Present presents location shots of these groups, displaying a set of images which have almost vanished from the world. From faces to architectural wonders, this packs in fine coverage.

This is a wonderful book. I speny a good deal of time in Turkana in 2000 and this book truly captures what Turkana is like. It is very moving and beautiful. I recommend it to anyone who has a heart for the struggles of other human beings and especially those who love African culture.

A very informative book of a country not covered by the media. The photographs bring the reader to an understanding of the plights these people face in everyday life

Featuring a Foreword by the Dalai Lama, Kakuma - Turkana: Dueling Struggles, Africa's Forgotten Peoples by Daniel Cheng Yang offers the nonspecialist general reader a profound interesting photographic journal of the struggles of the indigenous peoples of northwest Kenya. The emotional and unforgettable black-and-white photographs capture the harsh reality of life in lands with highly limited resources in an unforgettable compendium of images and commentary. Kakuma - Turkana is highly recommended photo-documentary for African Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

This book saves you the discomfort of a trip deep into the African Jungle: I have never read such a detailed description of the real 'Circle of Life' in Africa. Mr. Daems tells us the story of Kianza's life, starting with the first encounter of Kianza's father with white people, up to the independence of Congo. Tales of slavery, intiation rites, secret societies, local politics and economics, all these subjects are demystified in this book by Kianza himself. Kianza is not just a first row spectator but a participant himself. The arrival of white man however disrupted the existing fragile social structures which had evolved out of several thousands of years of trying to live in harmony with nature. "Kianza however did not oppose progress blindly, but it was blind progress that he opposed."

Kianza's Congo is the inside story of black life in the Congo. Written by a man who lived 10 years with the tribes. He spoke their language, witnessed their customs, and learned of secret rituals.

The life of Chief Kianza is told in Kianza's own words and translated by his confidant Mr. Daems. The book includes suspense, sex, politics, power, and even an experience of slavery. To be accepted in the male elite clan you must pass tough rituals, or die trying. These and more are described in this excellent book. This is REAL AFRICAN LIFE.

I own over a thousands books on a wide range of subjects regarding Africa. This is THE BEST book in plain english about what life is like in a central african tribe from the perspective on an African. I have also traveled to the congo and other countries for research. This book gets it right, helping to create a cohesive picture of life there without a bunch on anthropological, higher instition speak. A must, must read.

Note the this book would have a 5 star overall rating except someone who wrote a positive review forgot to vote.

This IS the best book I've read on my mental prep for Kilimanjaro. Funny at times - a bit of laugh-out-loud toilet humor - but serious about what you experience during summit day. The author is descriptively succinct about the attempt in his short, easy to read publication.

A friend of mine wanted me to read this book so he let me borrow his version. He plans to go to Africa soon and climb Kilimanjaro and wanted me to know something about the experience. He couldn't have chosen a better book for this purpose. I loved the light humor, but also came away from the reading of this book with a deeper respect for those who are willing to take on this challenge. My comment to my friend was: "I think I would be dead if I tried to hike up that mountain"! The book is short and to the point, humorous, and the perfect book to share with a friend so they can better understand the experience. It's kind of written as though it was taken right out of the man's hiking journal (and probably was) so it's not a study in English grammar, but it was a joy to read. After reading my friend's copy, I came home, went online to Amazon and bought the book so my family could also enjoy it.

I am planning a trip to Kenya, and my friends are pushing me to join them when they hike Mt Kili. I bought all the technical books and felt I still didn't understand if this was right for me. After reading this book I've developed a new respect for individuals who push their limits for the sake of personal desire, not to prove they are tough or adventurous. I also developed a new respect for the term 'comic relief' -- it pointed out how dangerous this can be and in very memorable way prepared me better than a list of required gear. The author has a clever ability to bring humor to the potential dangers of this hike. This is a refreshing and honest funny voice. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

This book is a great fictional adventure.The authors imagination
and humor shows up in this great story.I am no child and I loved it.Anyone know if there will be a sequil?

I have read this book several times.I enjoyed it as much as my grand children did.There are very interesting characters in this story.It will keep you laughing.Main characters,Chuck and Bobob are so funny together.I really can't wait fot the sequal.
I highly recommend it for children from 8 to 88.Quick and easy reading.Once you start it ,you won't want to put it down,It's one funny adventure after another.Very refreshing,non violent,
Good clean humor.Author should be commended for his work.Great stuff.A+

The book kept both the attention of the kids but was interesting for adults. The adventure forces the reader to create images in your mind of each place in the book.

Completed this book two summers back during a quick study of the Horn of Africa---and as an arm-chair law buff found the author's work extraordinary in scope and import. Instead of the usual soft racism that derides much of African culture and heritage, Mr. Van Notten offers real alternatives to traditional Western legal remedies/methods---with added benefits of examining the legal/economic constraints of Somali custom/law. A first rate read and highly recommend to those interested in innovative alternatives to traditional Western jurisprudence.

Students of legal anthropology learn the phrase "customary law" early in their training. But seldom is it accompanied by nuanced understanding. Law of the Somalis fundamentally alters this default. Generations of legal anthropologists working in colonial Africa devoted themselves (usually with the best intentions) to "codifying" customary law, never pausing to ask whether customary law might possess advantages wholly antithetical to "legislated" law.
The late Michael van Notten, a Dutch-educated lawyer "adopted" into Somali society, has written a "brief" (using the Somali case) on behalf of the proposition that customary law succeeds in fulfilling natural law demands for justice in ways superior to law created by systems of representative democracy. Legislated law of necessity disenfranchises the minority (who failed to elect their representatives), while customary law, because it focuses on disputes situationally, and relies on customary legal principles not unbending statutes for solutions, is better suited to respecting the interests of all sides. A major factor in van Notten's argument in favor of the Somali example is his demonstration of how customary law performs in its intensely competitive environment. In order to preserve its general acceptance, customary law must provide non-governmental means whereby people can complain if they feel their rights were violated.
The name given to this customary law system is kritarchy, that is, a system of rule distinguished from monarchy and oligarchy, by its reliance on "judging through principle." Kritarchy rests not on political institutions, but rather simply on the rule of law.
In a world where "failed-state" can be a buzzword precursor to outside intervention, issues presented by nations relying on customary law are far from academic. Van Notten's polemic is thus also timely - and far from an abstract contemplation. To the contrary, based on firsthand experience the book urges that a customary law foundation, such as found in Somalia, provides an ideal basis for establishment of a Free Port dedicated to commercial relations with the highest regard for natural law property rights. The United Nations has poured billions of dollars, thus far without evident success, into the cause of re-establishing a Somali central government, a proposition anathema to the customary law systems of Somalia's clans. Van Notten, on the other hand, sees opportunity to vindicate an approach to law consistent with older forms honoring sage leadership and counsel without the power to coerce and tax.
The readability and relative brevity of the text highly recommend Law of the Somalis for classroom use. It fits comfortably alongside, and is a refreshing addition to, the scholarly tradition reflected in such classic ethnographic legal-political titles as, Tswana Law (I. Schapera), The Cheyenne Way (K. Llewellyn and E.A. Hoebel), and The Judicial Process among the Barotse (M. Gluckman).
Howard J. De Nike, J.D., Ph.D., Instructor, Anthropology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.

This book deserves the full five stars because it demonstrates dynamically that sustenance and better, and freedom, order and peace, are fully possible in a system of local, family/clan, traditional governance in its multiple manifestations over a fairly wide territory without the "assistance" or burden of a centralized ruler controlling any and all aspects of the economy, society or life of the citizenry or its institutions. And it does so in a readily accessible manner in the writing style and cogent illustrations of the customary law as applied. This pertains to the principal author, the editor and one other contributor.

The justice system in northern Somalia, Somaliland, works as a common law, less formal than the English common law, but formalized in its procedures and precedents. It uses (by retainer) recognized judges or arbiters who receive apprentice-like training, experience on the job, and are selected on the basis of reputation for a track record of wise rulings. This pertains in civil and in criminal matters.

The greatest flaw in the rules, not in the system, is the lack of absolute property rights. Common grazing ground has fairly comprehensive rules as to how it may be used, thus avoiding the tragedy of the commons. But it can't be sold which is a considerable constraint on achieving prosperity. Individually owned real property has similar restraints; it can be sold only within the clan. This also constrains prosperity.

Somaliland does immensely better that the southern regions of Somalia where repeated efforts to reestablish central government, and the fear of such, have encouraged "war-lordism" and have discouraged economic betterment.

This system of justice appears to have been the general modus operandi across most of Africa before colonization. It is remarkable that so much of the system has survived a couple centuries of colonization and several decades of tyrannical dictatorships, both very centralizing forces.

To this observer this system demonstrates the validity of the libertarian notion that man can govern himself better at the individual and local level than he can be governed by the central state, federated or otherwise.

We were very fortunate to visit Londolozi on several occassions whilst living in South Africa. Lex Hes was a ranger there in the 80's and we had some fantastic game spotting. Lex is extremley professional and very passionate about his work. He is one of the Worlds best wild life photographers. I bought my Father Leopards of Londolozi as he also visited on several occassions from the UK. I will have to hope my Father leaves me this book in his Will now that it is out of publication. Lex's passion rubbed off on us and we have spent many many hours watching game and have the most fantastic memories.You can smell the bush when you look at this book it gives me the goose bumps.
Sharon Oliver, Brisbane, Australia.

We visited Londolozi a number of times in the early 1980-1985 era. Lex Hes was then a ranger at Londolozi. He and his wife were wonderful friends to nature and to Londolozi guests. Lex now has a ranger training school/business in South Africa. I bought the book a while back because we know Lex. Now I'll keep it under wraps knowing it's a collector's item.

Londolozi is now much more expensive than it was in the 80s but we'd go back in an instant if time and money allowed. Hawai'i is far away...the antipode of Botswana.

I visited Londolozi in May 2001 for 4 days. Incredible experience. I saw this book there. Someone had brought it with him to Londolozi, but was unable to purchase a copy in South Africa. I want this book very much and have Amazon.com looking for one for me. It is a wonderful book. Would it benefit someone who had not been to Londolozi? Yes, very much!

Once you see the leopards of Londolozi you're life is changed forever. It's in the catagory of seeing the Northern Lights. You are never the same again.

Do purchase this book-----but only after I get a copy of my own.

An exellent translation of the letters of Sheikh ad-Darqawi by Titus Burckhard. Although this book is only a partial translation and there does exist another translation (by the murabitun movement) this translation is usually seen as the most authentic.

For the ordinary reader however, the translation published by diwan press (of the murabitun) may be easier to read you may wish to have both copies to compare (as I have) Still, if you are reading this book for religious reasons alone, it should not matter which copy you happen to read.

North and West African Sufism has been largely overlooked in the West (possibly because of most of that geographical area coming under French influence) thus, we have little in the way of classical texts translated from that area, fortuantly that seems to be changing.

Other books I would recomend along side this one are:

fez city of Islam, The meaning of man (Sidi Ali jamal), The diwan of ibn al-Habib, The way of Abu Madyan, Zarruq the Sufi and the letters of ibn Abbad of Ronda.

I could not think of a better title. The book is filled with discourses, I would have loved more but...Many spiritual healings of the heart and the mind can be found.

The book leaves you with one conclusion. You need a Shaykh to follow the path to Allah, you need a madthab to follow Sharia, and you can't use a book for either.

Wonderful!

This is one of the best books I have read about Sufism. The letters was from a master to advice his disciples concerning the sufi path. It is informative and helpful to all who are intrested to step into the spirtual path.

Al-Arabi Ad-Darqawi was follower of the Shadhili order which was founded by the great Shaykh Abu'l Hasan ash-Shadhili.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested to know about the practical way of Sufi path.

The translation is excellent and the authour shows true insight on the subject.

Mansour El-Kikhia provides a critical and entertaining account of the 'unique' and flawed political system that Ghadafi has instituted in Libya. I found it balanced and very relevant. This system has produced some interesting, if puzzling, results in the course of its implementation that clearly demonstrate its shortcomings and its proclivity to suffer from excessive zeal .
El-Kihia shows how Qadhafi has concentrated power to the provinces where the Colonel's extended family members wield important posts in the army and provincial government. The concept of a formal head of state has also been revised in favor of designating an official leader. El-Kikhia also suggests that there has been a concerted effort to diminish the influence of technocrats and educated personnel, who have been instrumental in ceating the institutions to manage the oil economy and important political negotiations with the outside world, in favor of the ideologues of the revolutionary cadres . Certainly this is in accordance with the pattern of power distribution that has prevailed in Libya since the al-Fatah revolution.
There are also accounts of the decline of culture and eductaion as a result of Qadhafi's policies and the profusion of ideology in all aspects of daily life.

As a student of Professor El-kikhia's Foreign Policy courses, I can address his almost uncanny knowledge and understanding of foreign policy and the Middle East in specific. I would wholeheartedly recommend this and any other of Professor El-Kikhia's books to those who wish to educate themselves in foreign policy in this unique sector of the globe.

Ben Herd

As a political science major at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and also a frequent student of Dr. El-Kikhia, having read this book I can say that it is absolutely essential to an understanding of Libya's past and present political course and journey. Dr. El-Kikhia's unique perspective and special knowledge presents both the average reader and political science student with a powerful insight into the core of Quaddafi's world.

This author provided a great, unbiased account of Livingstone without being disrespectful. He also ended the book with a fantastic account of how Livingstone's legacy affected the world. This is a must read for all Christians or anyone interested in 19th century history or African history in general.

Jeal's biography became an instant classic upon publication some years ago. It is doubtful that Livingstone will ever be so fully portrayed, "warts and all," as the saying goes. Quite apart from the life depicted, this biography is a work of art. The prose is gorgeous, quite simply among the best biographies of the decade. One is simultaneously gripped and repelled by the author's extraordinary subject. Livingstone is one of the two or three singularly impressive Victorian figures whom contemporaries admired but whom we now regard with dismay. Still, there are no such grand figures in our time, and it is doubtful any will ever emerge again with such courage and daring. He was in so many ways as hateful as his age, but a better man than we in our time who praise ourselves for finding fault with his undeniable accomplishments from the comfort of our little lives.

This is a truly amazing story of dishonesty and brutality. Livingstone fraudulently pretended to be a great missionary after having converted only one person who later rejected the Christian faith. He then used this fraud to make large amounts of money and present a moral and financial argument for British imperialism on a grand scale in Africa. Organizations such as the London Missionary Society do not come off well here as they participated in a giant fund raising scheme to "save" Africa "for Christ". What is particularly damning is the relevation that Livingston originally (and correctly) knew that the destruction of the tribal way of life and its replacement by the Anglo Saxon versions of capitalism and Christianity would seriously endanger African lives. Filled with greed and ambition, Livingstone later deceived himself into believing his own lies.

Probably more than any other person in the Victorian age, Livingstone helped create an "Axis of Evil" between big business, big religion and larger British dreams of empire that led to the "scramble for Africa" that caused the whole continent to be on the receiving end of one of the most brutal colonial conquests in history.