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Madre Nera. L'Africa nera e il commercio degli schiavi
Esiste un diffuso pregiudizio secondo cui la storia africana che precede l’epoca coloniale è avvolta nella notte di una interminabile preistoria. Questo libro non ci parla soltanto di fiorenti civiltà e di stati bene organizzati, ma ricostruisce un «nodo» storico decisivo per la storia del continente: quei rapporti tra Africa e Europa che, cominciati verso la metà del XV secolo nel segno di pacifici scambi commerciali, finirono nell’invasione coloniale e in quel commercio degli schiavi che doveva lasciare tragiche, secolari conseguenze sul destino di molte comunità africane. Conseguenze che l’autore esemplifica in tre regioni: gli antichi stati del Congo, le città-stato della costa orientale e alcune tra le piu forti comunità della costa della Guinea.
Mettendo a frutto i risultati delle ricerche più avanzate, Basil Davidson (che, nato a Bristol nel 1914, si occupa da molti anni di questioni africane ed ha già al suo attivo importanti studi, tra cui "Old Africa Rediscovered") offre un prezioso contributo alla comprensione del vero volto dell’Africa di ieri e di oggi.
Mettendo a frutto i risultati delle ricerche più avanzate, Basil Davidson (che, nato a Bristol nel 1914, si occupa da molti anni di questioni africane ed ha già al suo attivo importanti studi, tra cui "Old Africa Rediscovered") offre un prezioso contributo alla comprensione del vero volto dell’Africa di ieri e di oggi.
332 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
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About the author
Basil Davidson
102 books75 followersBasil Risbridger Davidson was an acclaimed British historian, writer and Africanist, particularly knowledgeable on the subject of Portuguese Africa prior to the 1974 Carnation Revolution .
He has written several books on the current plight of Africa. Colonialism and the rise of African emancipation movements have been central themes of his work.
He is an Honorary Fellow of the London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
From 1939, Davidson was a reporter for the London "Economist" in Paris, France. From December 1939, he was a Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)/MI-6 D Section (sabotage) officer sent to Budapest (see Special Operations Europe, chapter 3) to establish a news service as cover. In April 1941, with the Nazi invasion, he fled to Belgrade, Yugoslavia. In May, he was captured by Italian forces and was later released as part of a prisoner exchange. From late 1942 to mid-1943, he was chief of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) Yugoslav Section in Cairo, Egypt, where he was James Klugmann's supervisor. From January 1945 he was liaison officer with partisans in Liguria, Italy.
After the war, he was Paris correspondent for "The Times," "Daily Herald" ,"New Statesman", and the "Daily Mirror."
Since 1951, he became a well known authority on African history, an unfashionable subject in the 1950s. His writings have emphasised the pre-colonial achievements of Africans, the disastrous effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade, the further damage inflicted on Africa by European colonialism and the baleful effects of the Nation State in Africa.
Davidson's works are required reading in many British universities. He is globally recognized as an expert on African History.
He currently lives in Staffordshire.
He has written several books on the current plight of Africa. Colonialism and the rise of African emancipation movements have been central themes of his work.
He is an Honorary Fellow of the London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
From 1939, Davidson was a reporter for the London "Economist" in Paris, France. From December 1939, he was a Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)/MI-6 D Section (sabotage) officer sent to Budapest (see Special Operations Europe, chapter 3) to establish a news service as cover. In April 1941, with the Nazi invasion, he fled to Belgrade, Yugoslavia. In May, he was captured by Italian forces and was later released as part of a prisoner exchange. From late 1942 to mid-1943, he was chief of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) Yugoslav Section in Cairo, Egypt, where he was James Klugmann's supervisor. From January 1945 he was liaison officer with partisans in Liguria, Italy.
After the war, he was Paris correspondent for "The Times," "Daily Herald" ,"New Statesman", and the "Daily Mirror."
Since 1951, he became a well known authority on African history, an unfashionable subject in the 1950s. His writings have emphasised the pre-colonial achievements of Africans, the disastrous effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade, the further damage inflicted on Africa by European colonialism and the baleful effects of the Nation State in Africa.
Davidson's works are required reading in many British universities. He is globally recognized as an expert on African History.
He currently lives in Staffordshire.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 18, 2024
“As causas do progresso europeu entre os séculos XV e XIX são do conhecimento geral. Neste livro tentei examinar as causas da relativa estagnação ou decadência africanas e explicar assim, de um ponto de vista africano, por que é que o ‘abismo cultural ‘ entre os principais Estados da África e da Europa se foi alargando durante este período, começando por ser uma pequena fresta para acabar num fosso abissal; por que é que se lhe seguiu, com grande rapidez e tão avassaladoramente, a conquista colonial; e por que se tornou tão fácil aos Europeus considerarem os Africanos como ‘destituídos de cultura ‘ e ‘incapazes de civilização própria’.
Durante estes quatro séculos, saldo dos ganhos correu todo para um lado. Não houve qualquer casamento verdadeiramente criador entre culturas, qualquer transmissão de ideias, qualquer compartilhar de riquezas e de realizações. Para a Europa, o comércio com a África saldou-se sempre num factor de enriquecimento; e este enriquecimento pôde levar a Europa, e levou-a efectivamente, a formas de sociedade e de governação novas e mais produtivas. Mas, para os Africanos, essa relação revelou-se incapaz de promover as mudanças sociais e económicas que então se requeriam; pelo contrário, arrastou todas as sociedades que contaminou para uma total frustração económica e política. Na verdade, pode ver-se toda uma ligação euro-africana como mais uma demonstração da natureza extraordinariamente dissipadora da acumulação de capital na Europa durante a Revolução Industrial.” (pág. 348)
De realçar a abundante bibliografia no final do livro.
Durante estes quatro séculos, saldo dos ganhos correu todo para um lado. Não houve qualquer casamento verdadeiramente criador entre culturas, qualquer transmissão de ideias, qualquer compartilhar de riquezas e de realizações. Para a Europa, o comércio com a África saldou-se sempre num factor de enriquecimento; e este enriquecimento pôde levar a Europa, e levou-a efectivamente, a formas de sociedade e de governação novas e mais produtivas. Mas, para os Africanos, essa relação revelou-se incapaz de promover as mudanças sociais e económicas que então se requeriam; pelo contrário, arrastou todas as sociedades que contaminou para uma total frustração económica e política. Na verdade, pode ver-se toda uma ligação euro-africana como mais uma demonstração da natureza extraordinariamente dissipadora da acumulação de capital na Europa durante a Revolução Industrial.” (pág. 348)
De realçar a abundante bibliografia no final do livro.
October 6, 2025
"Black Mother" is a compelling and insightful work by Basil Davidson, a renowned British historian and Africanist known for his deep engagement with African history and culture. The book offers a rich exploration of Africa’s past and present through a narrative that is both personal and scholarly, blending historical analysis with vivid storytelling.
At its core, "Black Mother" delves into the complex history of Africa, focusing on themes such as colonialism, cultural identity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of African peoples. Davidson challenges prevailing Eurocentric narratives by highlighting Africa’s rich civilizations, struggles against oppression, and the ongoing quest for self-determination. The book also touches on the role of women and motherhood as metaphors for nurturing and sustaining African heritage and future generations.
Davidson’s writing style in "Black Mother" is accessible yet erudite, making it suitable for both academic audiences and general readers interested in African history. His prose is evocative and engaging, often weaving personal anecdotes and historical facts seamlessly. The narrative is marked by a passionate tone that reflects Davidson’s commitment to correcting misconceptions about Africa and advocating for a more nuanced understanding of its peoples and cultures.
"Black Mother" holds significant value as a work that contributes to the decolonization of African history. By foregrounding African perspectives and experiences, Davidson provides readers with a more balanced and empathetic view of the continent’s past and present. The book serves as an important resource for students, historians, and anyone interested in the complexities of African identity and history. It also underscores the importance of recognizing Africa’s contributions to global civilization and the ongoing challenges it faces.
Basil Davidson’s "Black Mother" is a powerful and enlightening read that challenges stereotypes and enriches our understanding of Africa. Its blend of historical depth, cultural insight, and heartfelt narrative makes it a standout work in African studies. For readers seeking to deepen their knowledge of Africa beyond conventional narratives, this book is an essential and rewarding journey.
At its core, "Black Mother" delves into the complex history of Africa, focusing on themes such as colonialism, cultural identity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of African peoples. Davidson challenges prevailing Eurocentric narratives by highlighting Africa’s rich civilizations, struggles against oppression, and the ongoing quest for self-determination. The book also touches on the role of women and motherhood as metaphors for nurturing and sustaining African heritage and future generations.
Davidson’s writing style in "Black Mother" is accessible yet erudite, making it suitable for both academic audiences and general readers interested in African history. His prose is evocative and engaging, often weaving personal anecdotes and historical facts seamlessly. The narrative is marked by a passionate tone that reflects Davidson’s commitment to correcting misconceptions about Africa and advocating for a more nuanced understanding of its peoples and cultures.
"Black Mother" holds significant value as a work that contributes to the decolonization of African history. By foregrounding African perspectives and experiences, Davidson provides readers with a more balanced and empathetic view of the continent’s past and present. The book serves as an important resource for students, historians, and anyone interested in the complexities of African identity and history. It also underscores the importance of recognizing Africa’s contributions to global civilization and the ongoing challenges it faces.
Basil Davidson’s "Black Mother" is a powerful and enlightening read that challenges stereotypes and enriches our understanding of Africa. Its blend of historical depth, cultural insight, and heartfelt narrative makes it a standout work in African studies. For readers seeking to deepen their knowledge of Africa beyond conventional narratives, this book is an essential and rewarding journey.
August 1, 2021
After reading this I have a deeper admiration for the tenacity and spirit of Africa and a better overall understanding of the many complexities of the European-African relationship leading up to colonialism (1400-1850s mostly). It was dense but educational!
It was fascinating to learn more about a few of the unique and flourishing civilizations of Africa, the way various parts of Africa were affected by the slave trade, and how the nature of the trade resulted in the enrichment of European and American economies while draining African ones.
Overall, this period of history is inescapably shameful. Kings, chiefs, and merchants pursuing wealth and self-preservation at a massive cost to everyone else involved, most of all the several million people who became nothing more than items of commerce.
It was fascinating to learn more about a few of the unique and flourishing civilizations of Africa, the way various parts of Africa were affected by the slave trade, and how the nature of the trade resulted in the enrichment of European and American economies while draining African ones.
Overall, this period of history is inescapably shameful. Kings, chiefs, and merchants pursuing wealth and self-preservation at a massive cost to everyone else involved, most of all the several million people who became nothing more than items of commerce.
December 6, 2017
I strongly recommend you this book in case you want to start understanding the history of the African slavery.
March 10, 2017
For those who want to understand how slavery and colonialism began, I strongly advise. A very enlightening book
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews