Liberia In Pictures

by Tom Streissguth

Discusses the economy, geography, government, people, cultural life, and history of Liberia.

Genres: Africa

80 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Tom Streissguth holds a B.A. from Yale University. He has written more than 40 books of history and biography.

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this has been the only book in the series where the history section has been truly interesting to me, due to Liberia's very unique one. It was established as a colony for freed American slaves, although of course, there were already (a lot of different groups of) indigenous people living there. But the freed slaves apparently had the best representation, powerful connections, etc, so although they were only something like 5% of the population, they kind of took over the place. I was also interested to read that, according to this book anyway, the indigenous people didn't actually get to the area that is now Liberia until far later than most African countries were inhabited.

The country was pretty successful getting set up, and became (I think I am remembering correctly) the first independent African nation. Unfortunately, everything went to hell during the civil war in the 1990's, and they are still trying to recover. Buildings and infrastructure is wrecked, politics are shaky, travel is not advised.

[David Corleto-Bales · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and informative book about the little-known nation of Liberia, the modern nation of which was founded as a haven for free blacks in the 1820s, becoming independent in 1847; Liberia originally was inhabited by a plethora of indigenous tribes who clashed with the newcomers, (American black sent by the American Colonization Society which advocated sending free blacks and ex-slaves back to Africa). A fascinating portrait of the country's history, cultures, industries, (particularly rubber and iron) and topography. Another excellent addition to our Africa study series.