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Published Oct 2014
784 pages
Genre: History, Current Affairs and Religion
Publication Information
Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers, and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other valuable minerals.
Land was another prize. The Romans relied on their colonies in northern Africa for vital grain shipments to feed the population of Rome. Arab invaders followed in their wake, eventually colonizing the entire region. More recently, foreign corporations have acquired huge tracts of land to secure food supplies needed abroad, just as the Romans did.
In this vast and vivid panorama of history, Martin Meredith follows the fortunes of Africa over a period of 5,000 years. With compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms and empires; the spread of Christianity and Islam; the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of explorers and missionaries; and the impact of European colonization. He examines, too, the fate of modern African states and concludes with a glimpse of their future.
His cast of characters includes religious leaders, mining magnates, warlords, dictators, and many other legendary figures - among them Mansa Musa, ruler of the medieval Mali empire, said to be the richest man the world has ever known. "I speak of Africa," Shakespeare wrote, "and of golden joys." This is history on an epic scale.
"Starred Review. The completist will note absences, but this is the new standard against which future histories will be considered. " - Publishers Weekly
"Starred Review. A gripping tale of insatiable greed - personal and collective." - Booklist
"[A] broad-ranging history of Africa from the age of the pharaohs to the present, with a solid emphasis on economics…richly detailed…a useful study." - Kirkus
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Martin Meredith is a journalist, biographer, and historian who has written extensively on Africa and its recent history. His previous books include Mandela, Mugabe, Diamonds, Gold, and War, Born in Africa, and The Fate of Africa. He lives near Oxford, England.
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