My Life and Ethiopia's Progress: The Autobiography of Emperor Haile Sellassie I Volume One: 1892-1937

by Haile I. Sellassie

The first Autobiography of Emperor Haile Sellassie is detailed with information on the little giant of a man who many peoples from all of life consider to be the returned Christ, the Messiah, or Defender of the Faith. Indeed, a remarkable and outstanding world leader. Got to read it. First time ever in paperback.

Genres: Biography, Ethiopia, History, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Religion, Africa

366 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Hamza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good portion of this book, especially towards the end during the war with Italy, is absolutely enthralling. For that alone, I nearly gave it five stars. Unfortunately, there's a lot of perhaps unnecessary detail in the earlier parts of the book. Included in this would be some documents and speeches which, though important as pieces of history, likely didn't need to be reproduced in full. They tend to sort of take away from the enjoyment of the book. Nonetheless, I believe everyone should read this book because of the man's historical importance.

[Simonbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haile Selassies' autobiography is a very interesting and important book. Starting with the experience of young Tafari Makonnen in 19th century Ethiopia, this book shows and reflects the political career of one of the world's most famous politicians in the 20th century. The author further elaborates on his promotion to Ras Tafari, his appointment as governor in the region of Harar in 1910, his appointment as regent and crown prince of Ethiopia in 1917 and his coronation of Ethiopian Empreror as Haile Selassie I. in 1930.
While the descriptions of the hierarchies in the Ethiopian royal family were a bit too long in my opinion, I really enjoyed reading Selassie's reflections on his efforts in modernizing Ethiopia and on global diplomacy. Especially, reading about Haile Selassies travels to Europe and the Middle East in the 1920s and his diplomatic efforts in the League of Nations was amazing. The last part about the Italian invasion is also very dramatic. The book ends with Selassies' legendary speech at the League of Nations in Geneva in 1936 and his exile. All in all, this is an amazing book, especially if you are interested in diplomacy of the inter-war period and Ethiopian politics. And of course, Haile Selassie was such an important and fascinating politician, that this book guarantees lots interesting insights into politics from an African perspective.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

An autobiography with a very niche audience. I figure that there's two kinds of people who would be interested: rastafaris and folks interested in Ethiopian history. You really get the impression of how great of a man and monarch Haile Sellassie was. Some chapters are dry and they deal with genealogies or administrative functions but there are a few chapters that are amazing. My favorite section is His Majesty's tour of Europe right before he became Emperor.

[Mando · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Of Kings

[Anteneh Moges · Rating 3 out of 5]

good

[Paul Brunson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the perspective of Emperor Sellassie, namely about events leading up to Ethiopia's war with Italy. Must read.

[Jeffrey Valerie]

I can't think anything right now, as you have not given me the book to read which claim to have but cannot produce/

[Aklila Kedan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my most favourite books. It has such a profound message within the stories. Just love it!!

[Nhlamulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good