africa

This is a review of the 1994 edition of the book, of which the 1998 edition is an update:

"The African Experience" is an overview of African history. The backdrop is African political history, but it talks a lot about cultural, social and economic history as well. The first third of the book is about pre-colonial Africa; the middle third is about colonialism to modern times; and the last third is about South Africa and about modern Africa's international affairs.

This book is well organized and is written in a clear, coherent and interesting style. It gives a broad overview, serving as an excellent introduction to the history of Africa as a continent. Although its scope is general, the book does not overlook to explain the details of many significant historical developments. It is generally pan-African in its geographic range of coverage, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa, and a deliberately detailed chapter narrowing in on the history of modern South! Africa.

The tone of the book is that of one who is proud of the African heritage, yet scrupulously avoids distorting historical facts. The author is defiant towards scholars, politicians and other leaders who try to deprecate the worth and significance of Africa and Africans, yet he stays clear of the exaggeration and reverse racism of certain Afro-centric writers and historians. All in all, "The African Experience" is an excellent general resource and definitely worth acquiring.