I went into this book with the intention of ripping it to pieces. I came away disagreeing with the message and impressed at how well Mr. Boyles writes.

Any professional writer should read this book, if for no other reason than to explore some of the better subtleties of the trade. This book is well written, clear, it moves admirably well considering the subject matter which I previously would have thought to be prose-proof. It shows how enjoyable even subjects that one would previously have had no interest in can come alive for a reader with the right author.

Buy this book.

Dubow's book is a political history of the ANC from 1912 to 1990. It's concise, analytical, well-written, and never loses sight of the broader South African context. Although there isn't much in it that's new, it's ideal for readers who want an introduction to the freedom struggle in South Africa but don't have time to wade through a multi-hundred page tome. It's a real gem. (I'm an American diplomat stationed in South Africa.)

Moorcraft's African Nemesis represents the most reasoned approach to the difficult area of sub-saharan African decolonisation. The majority of works in this area tend to be heavily biased, dependant obviously upon the personal approach and experiences of the various authors. Very few achieve the quality of balance that is evident in African Nemesis - this work avoids the hyperbole and propaganda from both sides and presents a balanced review of the various wars and desabilisation activities carried out be the players in the region. The scope, likewise, is impressive - SWA/Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, South Africa, and even the independant homelands are addressed. It is only with such a broad scope that the activities of each government or organisation can be placed in context - which Moorcraft achieves better than any other author I have read. This is the book I would recommend to anyone approaching this field of study for the first time. If you have any interest in Southern African decolonisation / National Liberation, this book is the sine qua non.

I had the honor to take a couple of classes with Dr. Peters (who passed away in 1998) at the University of Notre Dame and although it has been several years since I had originally read this book, it's spirit lives on in me now. For people of African descent in the United States, this book opens new doors to us that because of a history of slavery, we were ignorant of. Don't get me wrong, this is not an exclusive book, anyone, regardless of your ethnicity, race, heritage, etc., can gain something from reading it. It re-affirms our natural beliefs that we are all connected, there is meaning in everything, and we are responsible not only to ourselves, but to each other, our ancestors, our progeny, and to the cosmos as well.

It is a book, once you've finished reading, you'll be surprised at how much it lingers with you.

Masolo has written perhaps the best encyclopedic account of 20th century African philosophy. His exploration of the problem of articulating reason in the African context, a context burdened by the imposition of colonialism, racism, and the perils and anxiety of metaphilosophical reflections on philosophy (epistemologically, ontologically, and politically understood) is balanced and erudite. I teach this book regularly in my Contemporary African Philosophy course at Brown University and I provide a discussion of it in my book, HER MAJESTY'S OTHER CHILDREN. My main concern, by way of criticism of the text, is its appeal to pragmatism in places that are clearly existential. This is a problem endemic to pragmatism, however, since the category of experience often raises similar sets of problems as in existential philosophy. No pragmatist, for instance, believes in a prior essence. That said, read this work. It is illuminating, and it is a valuable guide for anyone interested in 20th century philosophy.

"The African Philosophy Reader" is an excellent collection of essays, and is intended for undergraduates and beginners in African philosophy. The volume is heavily weighted towards contemporary African intellectuals, and draws heavily from regional African philosophies such as those in Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda. With regard to South Africa, book claims that there is no regional philosophy--rather philosophy in S. Africa follows the analytic/continental split found in Anglophone traditions in USA and Europe. Steve Biko's inclusion represents political philosophy in S. Africa. The book focuses early on on deconstructing Eurocentricity in anthropological constructions of African persons and worldviews. Elsewhere the volume aims to delineate philosophical trends in Africa and develops a crtical understanding of the "culture concept" with regard to these trends, as well as with regard to the development of mutliple rationalities by which different African philosophies proceed (Marlene Van Niekerk). There is also a useful critique of the entire subject of "Ethnophilosophy" by K. Anthony Appiah. (...)

Arom's treatment of African music is fantastic. The reader will benefit from Arom's direct experiences with African music in many ways. Not only does he provide musical transcriptions, but also discusses the equipment and techniques used for recording. He also discusses the social aspects of the music, which are inseparable from it. There is a large section in which he shares the results of his musical analysis--specifically, the ways in which he categorizes African music based on their rhythmic activity. He creates his own analytical methdologies and creates very specific terminology to describe the rhythmic structures found in African music. As a graduate student in music theory I found this book very helpful in my research and analysis of composers who try to emulate the rhythmic structures and phenomena found in African music. It's a terrific resource.

Alec Campbell's African Rock Art: Paintings And Engravings On Stone, superbly and profusely illustrated with more than two hundred examples of David Coulson's color photography, spectacularly and informatively showcases Africa's rock art with examples drawn from the entire continent. The text provides the reader with an authoritative and "reader friendly" historical and interpretative analysis. Alec Campbell draws upon his many years of experience as the founder and former director of the "National Museum of Botswana", and is a resident of the area. David Coulson is founder and chairman of the "Trust for African Rock Art" and combines his special expertise with skills as a photography to provide a visual record of outstanding works, many of which are now endangered by erosion, theft, and vandalism. African Rock Art is an impressive and much appreciated addition to personal, academic and community library African art history and cultural studies collections.

This is a "must" for all those who have been on an African safari, or who are contemplating this magical journey. This manuscript is practical, offering tips for first-timers, and beautifully written so that the reader will understand the animals' behavior. In addition, there are over 700 gorgeous photographs, obviously taken by a photographer who understands his subject matter. Indeed, one need not go far to read others' works. The author includes excerpts from Hemingway, Dinesen, Stanley and the like - those who fell in love in and with Africa. The truly adventuresome! The author also includes excerpts from his own diary which enlightens the reader to the humorous side of the African safari experience. It is truly the ultimate book!

The african saga is one of those books which are written with love, and take you to a world where heroes and common people share the universe. People(and animals) live in a mithical rhythm, full of magic where people undertakes as an everyday quest a trip to end of the world and a lizard makes the world or pygmies sing their songs, because this book is not just a collection of african folktales, this is an introduction to the tribal world, where time is just an invention of modern man.