Charles Taylor and Liberia: Ambition and Atrocity in Africa's Lone Star State

by Colin M. Waugh

Campaigner, insurgent, fugitive, rebel commander, commodity kingpin, elected president, exile and finally prisoner, Charles Taylor sought to lead his country to change but instead ignited a conflict which destroyed Liberia in over a decade of violence, greed and personal ambition. Taylor's takeover threw much of the neigbouring region into turmoil, until he was finally brought to face justice in The Hague for his role in Sierra Leone's civil war.

In this remarkable and eye-opening book, Colin Waugh draws on a variety of sources, testimonies and original interviews - including with Taylor himself - to recount the story of what really happened during these turbulent years. In doing so, he examines both the life of Charles Taylor, as well as the often self-interested efforts of the international community to first save Liberia from disaster, then, having failed to do so, to bring to justice the man it deems most to blame for its disintegration.

Genres: Africa, Liberia, History, Nonfiction, Biography

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2011

Reviews

[Gordon Eldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is neither a biography of Charles Taylor, nor a history of Liberia and its civil war. Rather, it is exactly what the title suggests - a study of the both Taylor and Liberia and how each affected and continues to affect the other. The book is impressive in its meticulous portrayal of multiple viewpoints. We rarely, if ever, see only one side of the story. This inclusion of multiple viewpoints enables us as readers to weigh the evidence for ourselves and contributes significantly to the thought-provoking nature of the book.

In terms of the evidence provided, the author gives us not only a multitude of statistics, but also numerous, well-selected quotes from a variety of relevant people, including those close to Taylor. This kind of evidence brings the events to life for us as readers and gives us insight into the context in which these horrendous events took place.

Waugh has succeeded in creating a highly readable account. For the most part, especially during the places where the story is told chronologically, the narrative flows in a way which makes you not want to stop reading. On occasion, however there are some disjointed transitions. These generally occur in places where Waugh has digressed to give further detail on topics such as the general conditions prevailing in Taylor's Greater Liberia. It can be difficult in these places to keep hold of where each of the pieces fit within the complex story being told. Overall, however, these are few, and do not detract from a generally fluid style. I highly recommend this book to all who want to understand this period of history and the personalities who made it.

[Bryan Stubbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid reading. Indispensable for anyone wanting to know about this war and Mr. Taylor. My only quibbles are that the beginning paints earlier Liberian history in too-broad strokes and some really basic facts stated are wrong. For example, the book states Ramsey Clark was Secretary of State in the 1960s. He was attorney general. The author mentions Doe's government granting timber concessions in 1979. It couldn't have because Tolbert was in power at that time.

Beyond small errors like these, the book seems to get the war right. Much detail. Give it a read.

[Ben Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the overview of Liberias history and the detail of Taylors background before he began the insurgency.

Felt there could have been more detail about Taylors time in office post the election, looking deeper into the accusations of cannibalism and human rights abuses.

[Franklin Bonner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read into some of the most violent periods of Liberia's history. Also gives good perspective on the political machinations and international diplomacy behind the scenes.

[Anna Shuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting account into charles taylor and his influence in liberia

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning started off a bit slow and simplistic, for me, in terms of the overview of the conflict in Liberia. But, once the book got going, I really enjoyed it. I feel like I got a much greater sense of the role Taylor played in the conflicts.

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

Packed information but not interesting reading. I'm hoping another author will come along and tell this story in a more exciting form.