THE AFRICANS: A Triple Heritage

by Ali A. Mazrui ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 6, 1986

A provocative study of the African continent that is certain to rile many readers, sure to elicit praise from many others. The three heritages Mazrui analyzes are Africa's own native inheritance of man/nature identity, Islamic culture and religion and Western capitalism. How these elements interreact (and fail to) provides the author with his wide-ranging thesis. A research professor at the University of Jos in Nigeria as well as professor of political science and of Afro-American and African studies at the University of Michigan, Mazrui knows his topic well. Occasionally, however, as when he complains that early cartographers placed the European and Asian continents at the top of their maps, thus relegating Africa to a ""subservient"" position, Mazrui seems to be more petulant than perceptive. Such quibbles aside, however, The Africans is a well-researched and smoothly written investigation into Africa's turbulent past, problematic present and uncertain future. Mazrui's analysis of the tools of exploitation from the slave trade to the role of nuclear development in the area's future is well reasoned and concisely outlined. Too, his investigation of various political options is even handed and sensible, though some readers may balk at what they may discern as a socialist bent in the discussions. Written as a companion volume to an upcoming BBC/WETA television series, The Africans is handsomely produced, with 105 color and 76 black-and-white illustrations, copious notes, an extensive bibliography and a thorough and easy. to-refer-to index. A scholarly, sometimes irritating, work but an important contribution to the field of African studies.

Pub Date: Oct. 6, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION