An African History of Africa

Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone.



For too long, Africa's history has been dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, or simply ignored. Now, Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight.



In this fascinating book, Badawi guides us through Africa's spectacular history - from the very origins of our species, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires with remarkable queens and kings, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence. Visiting more than thirty African countries to interview countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, she unearths buried histories from across the continent and gives Africa its rightful place in our global story.



The result is a gripping new account of Africa: an epic, sweeping history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.



Reviews:



'Zeinab Badawi's remarkable new book lives up to her dependable standards of excellence. It takes the reader on an up-close-and-personal journey across this unique continent, seemingly holding your hand while uncovering extraordinary gems of truth as she allows previously untold stories to be heard' - Margaret Busby CBE



'A fascinating, thought-provoking and entertaining romp through several thousand years of history... This book is for everyone not only in the sense that we are all, ultimately, from Africa, but also because it is highly readable' - Justin Marozzi, Sunday Times



'A refreshing corrective to narratives imposed on the continent by others... Ambitious in scope... The very act of telling African history from an African perspective and by making this history accessible to a wide audience is an assertion of dignity and an invitation to learn more... As Badawi puts it: "I hope I have demonstrated that Africa has a history, that it is a fundamental part of our global story, and one that is worthy of greater attention and respect than it has so far received." She most certainly has' - Simukai Chigdu, Guardian



'Zeinab Badawi reclaims her home continent's past... Researched across more than 30 countries, it brings dazzling civilisations of pre-colonial Africa vividly to life. A book that feels long-overdue... and wholly worth the wait' - Vogue



'In a world where western narratives have poorly chalked up Africa's history to simply one of slavery and colonialism, Badawi heads out on a corrective journey. Visiting 30 of the continent's countries and interviewing everyone from historians to anthropologists, this is an eye-opening book' - i paper - Best New Books to Read in April