Africa is the birthplace of humankind itself, yet little of its ancient and modern history is widely known. For many, the history of Africa has been dominated by the subjects of slavery, imperialism, and colonialism. This book is a relatively comprehensive history from the beginning of Africa, highlighting key chapters in its story, and told by Africans themselves. The author was born in Sudan and is president of the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. She was previously chair of the Royal African Society., recipient of the President's Medal of the British Academy, and an honorary fellow of her alma mater, St. Hilda's College, University of Oxford. She visited more than 30 African countries over seven years in pursuit of a first-hand experience of Africa's history from the perspective of Africans.
Book is #1 in African History on Amazon. 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 * An elegant and vibrant African history that will appeal to novices and experts alike. * Kirkus Review * 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 * Authoritative and compelling -- Sathnam Sanghera * BBC History magazine * 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 * Both a tour d'horizon and a tour de force, marvellously readable and beautifully written. This is a book that should be read by anyone who is interested in Africa, by anyone who thinks they know all they need to know about Africa, and above all by anyone who has no interest in Africa at all. It will transform their views of the continent, its peoples and its histories. I cannot recommend it too strongly or praise it too highly -- Professor Sir David Cannadine Epic, magnificent, brilliant. Zeinab Badawi's soaring African history is as majestic, thrilling and vibrant as the continent of Africa itself. A moving personal journey, an investigation into the earliest years of human life, a powerful manifesto for historical research and national memory, this genius book - bursting with stories of incredible courage and determination, from battling empires, colonial fightback, ending the slave trade and forming nations - is a tour de force and entirely unforgettable -- Professor Kate Williams This is a book we have needed: a clear account of the fascinating history of Africa from an African perspective. I learned something on every page. It will leave everyone who reads it better informed and more thoughtful about the vast opportunity that can now be found in a continent we have often misunderstood -- William Hague One of the greatest strengths of this wonderful African History of Africa and what makes it so engaging is the way Zeinab Badawi narrates the great sweep of this continent’s rich history as a personal voyage of discovery, and in doing so is able to portray her feelings of the experience, be it touching humanity’s most ancient bones or venturing into the dungeons of slave castles -- Dr Kevin Shillington
Week 1. Chapter 1 - Our Family and Other Hominins, Week 2. Chapter 2 - Gift of the Nile, Week 3. Chapter 3 - Kingdom of Kush, Week 4. Chapters 4 & 5 - Ezana of Aksum and the Rise of a Christian Kingdom & The Cross and the Crescent, Week 5. Chapters 6 & 7 - Ifrikiya and the Amazigh & Islam and the Dynasties of North Africa, Week 6. Chapter 8 - Mansa Musa and the Kingdoms of West Africa, Week 7. Chapter 9 - Tippu Tip and the First Enslavers, Week 8. Chapter 9 - Cast in Bronze, Week 9. Chapter 10 - Southern Kingdoms, Week 10. Chapters 12 & 13 - Asante Ascent: Osei Tutu and Abena Pokou & Asante Courage: Prempeh and Yaa Asantewaa, Week 11. Chapter 14 - Slavery and Salvation, Week 12. Chapter 15 - Land, Gold and Greed, Week 13. Chapter 16 - The Kingdom of Kongo and the Scramble for Africa, Week 14. Chapter 17 - Africa's Resistance and Liberation
An African History of Africa - From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence by Zeinab Badawi. Published by Mariner Books, New York & Boston in January 2025.