Uma Breve História de África

by Gordon Kerr

A comprehensive introduction to the sprawling history of this enormous continent, from the dawn of human time in prehistoric Africa right through to Arab Spring

Beginning with the origins of the human race and the development of stone age technology, this history of the cradle of civilization moves through ancient and medieval times, the significance of the Arab presence, the Muslim states, and the trans-Saharan trade. It continues with the rise and fall of nation states and kingdoms prior to the arrival of Europeans, Ghana, the Kingdoms of the Forest and Savanna, Yoruba, Oyo, Benin, Asante, Luba, Lunda, Lozil, and many others, on to the beginning of the slave trade, and the European conquest and colonization of sub-Saharan Africa, the "Scramble for Africa." Finally moving onto the often bitter struggles for independence from that period of colonization and exploitation, it concludes with an assessment of Africa in the 21st century.

Genres: History, Africa, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published December 19, 2011

About the author

Gordon Kerr was born in the Scottish new town of East Kilbride and worked in the wine trade and then bookselling and publishing before becoming a full-time writer. He is the author of numerous books in a variety of genres, including art, history, true crime, travel and humour. He has a wife and two children and lives in Hampshire and—when he can—South West France.

Reviews

[Anthony Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkably, this book does actually achieve the seemingly impossible and create a coherent and credible summary of African history in under 200 pages. Great work!

[Magdalena · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was very detailed, giving many names and tribal location, but did not provide any maps to help locate these many many tribes mentioned. Many facts are only mentioned very breifly (Zulu wars) and others got too much space.
Overall I did not enjoy it as much as "A Short History of Polar Exploration", which is from the same series.

[Patrick (Kunle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, some areas got more coverage than others but that's understandable. The author was as objective as possible and he showed both positive and negative sides in all the major players in African History including Africans themselves. The end was a bit depressing considering the current state of things. Either way, it was an illuminating read and I recommend this to anyone looking for a brief overview on African affairs.

[Bill Christman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because with my fascination of history I realized I knew very little about African history. This book is a good place to start. It is brief, seems to hit the highlights, and attempts to give a very general history.

The problem with the book I found was that it did not have a lot before the slave trade begins with the shipping to the Americas. This was a disappointment but as the author explains, there are no written languages and funding for archeologists digging is sparse, so we know little. It is frustrating in that we get hints of empires and great states but we don't know their story. Another problem is how sub-Saharan Africa dealt with Asia. Asia developed great civilizations but it seems to have had little impact on the area, unless it is just missed due to the lack of historical records. If I ever become emperor of earth funding is going to be spent exploring this blank hole in our history.

The book spends nearly half from the European exploitation of Africa, through the colonial days, then the aftermaths. The colonial period when spoken of from the African perspective, which Gordon Kerr attempts, is dark and tragic. There were so many disruptions to their life and culture. The wars between Africans that were begun by European manipulation were bloody and devastating. When Kerr points out that nearly 40% of the population in an area of Central Africa died due to conflicts like this one sees why to this day Africans don't trust the Europeans. If I was African I am not sure I would ever forgive.

Gordon Kerr's book is ok. It is not going to be in depth. It slows down at times because when describing migrations, if one is not familiar with the regions and people to start with it takes time to figure out where and who he is talking about. On the other side it is a nice book to get an introduction, a short all too brief introduction, and figure out what to look for to study further.

[Chris Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hoped this would provide a good introduction to further study of African history I could build from, but found the references frequently confusing, assuming too much pre-knowledge, the lack of a map making following areas really difficult, and the choice of length for sections disappointing, providing very little information at all on some geographical areas.

[Rich Bussom · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very short history of Africa with a focus on European involvement. The book is made of loosely organized short sections with no flow and very little of interest. You're better off starting with Wikipedia's "History of Africa" and following links that interest you.

Two stars instead of one because at least the title is accurate.

[Dipra Lahiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deals mostly with geopolitics, with a particular emphasis since the European involvement in the continent. Nothing by way of the arts and culture, which is understandable given the brevity of the book. For those new to the history of the continent, the pillage by the Europeans will be a shocker.

[Max Pantalena]

Nice quick primer on African history. The author is not attempting to provide the definitive history of this storied continent in 150 pages but it was succinct and fairly objective.

[Sarkin Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book. Short and sweet is how I would describe it.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short! He jumps around from place to place and people to people so quickly and often that you never get oriented. There doesn't seem to be a really fine standard text for African history anywhere.

[John Mountford · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is what it says it is. Read it, if you don't have the time for the longer ones. Well written.

[Esther* · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very challenging premise for such a short book, but a good starting point to give an overview of a whole continent’s history, which is just what I was looking for.