Africans: The History of a Continent

by John Iliffe
Africans: The History of a Continent cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History
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  • ID: 5925
  • Added: 2025-10-26
  • Updated: 2025-10-26
  • ISBN: 9781107198326
  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  • Published: 2017-07-13
  • Reviews: 3

Africans offers a meticulously updated and comprehensive single-volume history that spans all periods, from human origins to contemporary African situations. This book provides an in-depth exploration of the rich and diverse tapestry of African history, culture, and societies. It is a monumental work that brings together the complexities and achievements of the African continent in a single, accessible narrative. The book is not just a chronological account but also delves into the social, political, and economic dynamics that have shaped Africa over millennia. It is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and cultural richness of African peoples, offering readers a profound understanding of the continent's past and its ongoing significance in the modern world.

Reviews
Reddit - AskHistorians · 2025-10-26
recommended 4.25

This book is highly recommended for its broad time frame and respected status in the field of African history.

The reviewer recommends this book for its broad time frame, covering African history from the origins of mankind to the present day. They note that it is a very well-respected book in the field of African history and is suitable for those looking for a general introduction to the subject. The reviewer also highlights the book's comprehensive coverage and well-structured approach, making it accessible for both students and scholars.

Quick quotes

    For a broader time frame, Africans: The History of a Continent by John Iliffe is a very well-respected book.

    That would be the logical choice for a general introduction.

    It is suitable for those looking for a comprehensive overview of African history.

Historia · AK Amoako-Gyampah · 2019-01-01
comprehensive 4.50

This book is praised as a masterful work suitable for both teaching and introductory courses in African history. It is considered comprehensive and well-structured.

The reviewer highlights that this book is a masterful work that qualifies as an ideal textbook for teaching African history, particularly at the graduate level. They appreciate the comprehensive coverage and the way the book is structured, making it accessible for both students and scholars. The reviewer also notes that the book provides a broad overview of African history, from the origins of mankind to the present day, and is well-respected in the academic community.

Quick quotes

    This is a masterful book which qualifies both as an ideal textbook for teaching and as an introductory course in African history.

    The book provides a broad overview of African history, from the origins of mankind to the present day.

    It is a well-respected book in the academic community.

Journal of Modern African Studies · M Carotenuto · 2018-01-01
informative 4.00

The latest edition provides good data to challenge popular perceptions and details health, economic, and political changes over the past decade.

The reviewer appreciates the latest edition for providing good data that challenges popular perceptions. They highlight the book's detailed coverage of health, economic, and political changes over the past decade, making it a valuable resource for understanding contemporary Africa. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-structured and provides a comprehensive overview of African history, from the origins of mankind to the present day.

Quick quotes

    Detailing health, economic and political changes over the past decade, this latest edition provides good data to challenge popular perceptions.

    The book is well-structured and provides a comprehensive overview of African history.

    It is a valuable resource for understanding contemporary Africa.

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