Emperor Haile Selassie

by Bereket Habte Selassie

Emperor Haile Selassie was an iconic figure of the twentieth
century, a progressive monarch who ruled Ethiopia from
1916 to 1974. This book, written by a former state official
who served in a number of important positions in Selassie’s
government, tells both the story of the emperor’s life and
the story of modern Ethiopia.
After a struggle for the throne in 1916, the young Selassie
emerged first as regent and then as supreme leader of
Ethiopia. Over the course of his nearly six-decade rule,
the emperor abolished slavery, introduced constitutional
reform, and expanded educational opportunity. The Italian
invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930s led to a five-year exile in
England, from which he returned in time to lead his country
through World War II. Selassie was also instrumental in the
founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, but
he fell short of the ultimate goal of a promised democracy
in Ethiopia. The corruption that grew under his absolute
rule, as well as his seeming indifference to the famine that
gripped Ethiopia in the 1970s, led finally to his overthrow by
the armed forces that he had created.
Haile Selassie was an enlightened monarch in many ways,
but also a man with flaws like any other. This short biography
is a sensitive portrayal of Selassie as both emperor and man,
by one who knew him well.

Genres: Africa, Biography, Ethiopia

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2014

Reviews

[Ernesto · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. A ratos parece una crónica hagiográfica redactada como una página de Wikipedia, pero aún así es una introducción más que decente para conocer mejor a quien es al mismo tiempo una de las figuras más importantes del siglo XX universal y de toda la historia del continente africano.

[Giancarlo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good text to get started on the life of the man. A bit too little detailed, but it’s really a pocket book. If the intention was to get basic information, the goal is achieved. The writer puts a bit of himself in the book, but it still works. Definitely makes you want to read more about the man!

[Akinyi Akinyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a keen follower of Ethiopia's history and culture, especially the monarchy, I've noticed that, like in any other monarchy, there is always a power struggle where the ruthless, smart, and cunning person always wins. We see this with the Emperor who wisely ascended the power chain.

I believe the Emperor genuinely had a vision to elevate Ethiopia. This can be seen by the various changes he brought to his country, such as education, law development, and industrialization. However, old age, pride, and a monarchial mindset prevented him from seeing the changing mindset and cries for change from his people. His lack of action during famine, acquisition of Eritrea, and call for reforms led to his downfall.

It's sad to see how this great man was murdered and buried without any recognition.

[Rik Demeyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uiterst beknopte biografie van een enigmatische figuur, die het enige nooit gekoloniseerde land in Afrika in moderne wereld loodste, een historische speech gaf voor de Volkenbond in 1936 tegen de Italiaanse agressie, maar uiteindelijk onderging aan autocratie.

[Ian Lattimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decent book. It's concise. I'm sure there are more comprehensive books on His Imperial Majesty. But this is short and informative, which is what it aims to be. It's honest. Written by someone who was formerly in the employ of the regime, it doesn't seem to be too sympathetic or critical of the man.
Definitely worth a read.