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The African Origin of Civilization
by Cheikh Anta Diop • 1974
Ancient Egypt was a Black civilization. Modern Egyptology was built to make the world forget it.
4.48
2k+
The African Origin of Civilization Summary
The African Origin of Civilization 90%
Ancient Egypt was a Black civilization. Modern Egyptology was built to make the world forget it.
by Cheikh Anta Diop 1974
4.48
2k+ ratings
From Babylon to Timbuktu
by Rudolph R. Windsor • 2023
Ancient Israel was black, its lost kingdoms ruled Africa, and the slave trade was foretold.
4.31
675
From Babylon to Timbuktu Summary
From Babylon to Timbuktu 89%
Ancient Israel was black, its lost kingdoms ruled Africa, and the slave trade was foretold.
by Rudolph R. Windsor 2023
4.31
675 ratings
Segu
by Maryse Condé • 1984
A Segu noble family is scattered by faith, slavery, and war after the son embraces Islam.
4.10
2k+
Segu Summary
Segu 89%
A Segu noble family is scattered by faith, slavery, and war after the son embraces Islam.
by Maryse Condé 1984
4.10
2k+ ratings
Indaba My Children
by Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa • 1964
Before Africa wrote, it remembered: the Bantu sacred history from creation to a future messiah.
4.41
450
Indaba My Children Summary
Indaba My Children 89%
Before Africa wrote, it remembered: the Bantu sacred history from creation to a future messiah.
by Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa 1964
4.41
450 ratings
Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust
by John Henrik Clarke • 1992
Columbus did not discover a new world. He launched a slave trade that built capitalism.
4.45
718
Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust Summary
Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust 89%
Columbus did not discover a new world. He launched a slave trade that built capitalism.
by John Henrik Clarke 1992
4.45
718 ratings
Surrender or Starve
by Robert D. Kaplan • 1988
A Marxist regime weaponized famine in Ethiopia. The West's life-saving aid also financed the war.
3.67
474
Surrender or Starve Summary
Surrender or Starve 89%
A Marxist regime weaponized famine in Ethiopia. The West's life-saving aid also financed the war.
by Robert D. Kaplan 1988
3.67
474 ratings
States and Power in Africa
by Jeffrey Herbst • 2000
Europe built states through war. Africa skipped that step, and its borders now protect failure.
3.99
269
States and Power in Africa Summary
States and Power in Africa 89%
Europe built states through war. Africa skipped that step, and its borders now protect failure.
by Jeffrey Herbst 2000
3.99
269 ratings
The Legacy of Arab-Islam in Africa
by John Azumah • 2001
Africa’s faiths must confront fourteen centuries of Islamic slavery, not a romantic myth.
4.17
36
The Legacy of Arab-Islam in Africa Summary
The Legacy of Arab-Islam in Africa 89%
Africa’s faiths must confront fourteen centuries of Islamic slavery, not a romantic myth.
by John Azumah 2001
4.17
36 ratings
The Horn of Africa
by Christopher Clapham • 2017
Africa's only region never fully colonized produced border wars bloodier than any colonial map did.
3.89
54
The Horn of Africa Summary
The Horn of Africa 89%
Africa's only region never fully colonized produced border wars bloodier than any colonial map did.
by Christopher Clapham 2017
3.89
54 ratings
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi • 2018
A divîner and a rebel princess race a genocidal king to restore magic before the solstice.
4.11
253k+
Children of Blood and Bone Summary
Children of Blood and Bone 89%
A divîner and a rebel princess race a genocidal king to restore magic before the solstice.
by Tomi Adeyemi 2018
4.11
253k+ ratings
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt
by Toby Wilkinson • 2010
Three millennia of pharaohs, and the engine beneath every pyramid was absolute, merciless power.
4.13
7k+
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt Summary
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt 88%
Three millennia of pharaohs, and the engine beneath every pyramid was absolute, merciless power.
by Toby Wilkinson 2010
4.13
7k+ ratings
Timelines from Black History
by D.K. Publishing • 2021
Black history stretches from Lucy to the Year of Africa. This visual timeline connects the dots.
4.39
157
Timelines from Black History Summary
Timelines from Black History 88%
Black history stretches from Lucy to the Year of Africa. This visual timeline connects the dots.
by D.K. Publishing 2021
4.39
157 ratings
Africa Is Not a Country
by Dipo Faloyin • 2022
Fifty-four countries, 1.4 billion people: the West keeps mistaking a continent for a country.
4.38
11k+
Africa Is Not a Country Summary
Africa Is Not a Country 88%
Fifty-four countries, 1.4 billion people: the West keeps mistaking a continent for a country.
by Dipo Faloyin 2022
4.38
11k+ ratings
Ancient Egypt
by History Brought Alive • 2021
The Nile shaped everything: how one river turned a desert into history's most enduring civilization.
3.55
22
Ancient Egypt Summary
Ancient Egypt 88%
The Nile shaped everything: how one river turned a desert into history's most enduring civilization.
by History Brought Alive 2021
3.55
22 ratings
History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens
by George Washington Williams • 2012
The 1883 history that began in African empires and ended with the Constitution enshrining slavery.
4.03
29
History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens Summary
History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens 88%
The 1883 history that began in African empires and ended with the Constitution enshrining slavery.
by George Washington Williams 2012
4.03
29 ratings
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi • 2019
Magic returned. So did the queen, with stolen power and an army aimed at Zélie's rebellion.
3.89
82k+
Children of Virtue and Vengeance Summary
Children of Virtue and Vengeance 88%
Magic returned. So did the queen, with stolen power and an army aimed at Zélie's rebellion.
by Tomi Adeyemi 2019
3.89
82k+ ratings
They Came Before Columbus
by Ivan Van Sertima • 2003
Africans built ships, crossed the Atlantic, and left stone faces in Mexico before Columbus was born.
4.46
3k+
They Came Before Columbus Summary
They Came Before Columbus 88%
Africans built ships, crossed the Atlantic, and left stone faces in Mexico before Columbus was born.
by Ivan Van Sertima 2003
4.46
3k+ ratings
Becoming Nigerian
by Elnathan John • 2019
To become Nigerian, credit God for every Mercedes and never accept fault.
3.96
668
Becoming Nigerian Summary
Becoming Nigerian 88%
To become Nigerian, credit God for every Mercedes and never accept fault.
by Elnathan John 2019
3.96
668 ratings
White Gold
by Giles Milton • 2004
Barbary corsairs took a million Europeans. One boy was eleven when taken, thirty-four when free.
4.13
2k+
White Gold Summary
White Gold 88%
Barbary corsairs took a million Europeans. One boy was eleven when taken, thirty-four when free.
by Giles Milton 2004
4.13
2k+ ratings
You Must Set Forth at Dawn
by Wole Soyinka • 2006
A stolen artifact, a dictator's table, a secret peace mission: a Nobel laureate's life off stage.
4.02
518
You Must Set Forth at Dawn Summary
You Must Set Forth at Dawn 88%
A stolen artifact, a dictator's table, a secret peace mission: a Nobel laureate's life off stage.
by Wole Soyinka 2006
4.02
518 ratings
Dark Star Safari
by Paul Theroux • 2002
He crossed Africa overland and found billions in foreign aid had only deepened the disaster.
3.98
16k+
Dark Star Safari Summary
Dark Star Safari 88%
He crossed Africa overland and found billions in foreign aid had only deepened the disaster.
by Paul Theroux 2002
3.98
16k+ ratings
The Rage of Dragons
by Evan Winter • 2017
A lowborn warrior fights nobles and dragons in a caste-ruled academy to avenge his father's murder.
4.30
48k+
The Rage of Dragons Summary
The Rage of Dragons 88%
A lowborn warrior fights nobles and dragons in a caste-ruled academy to avenge his father's murder.
by Evan Winter 2017
4.30
48k+ ratings
Song of the Nile
by Stephanie Dray • 2011
Exiled and hunted by Rome, Cleopatra's daughter wields goddess magic to carve out a kingdom.
3.99
3k+
Song of the Nile Summary
Song of the Nile 88%
Exiled and hunted by Rome, Cleopatra's daughter wields goddess magic to carve out a kingdom.
by Stephanie Dray 2011
3.99
3k+ ratings
Africa in the World
by Frederick Cooper • 2014
Africa co-created global capitalism. The nation-state map that emerged was nobody's intended plan.
3.53
47
Africa in the World Summary
Africa in the World 88%
Africa co-created global capitalism. The nation-state map that emerged was nobody's intended plan.
by Frederick Cooper 2014
3.53
47 ratings
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu
by Joshua Hammer • 2016
377,000 ancient manuscripts, one occupied city, and the smuggling ring of librarians who saved them.
3.50
13k+
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu Summary
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu 87%
377,000 ancient manuscripts, one occupied city, and the smuggling ring of librarians who saved them.
by Joshua Hammer 2016
3.50
13k+ ratings
The Forest People
by Colin M. Turnbull • 1961
The Mbuti have no chiefs, no crime, and no fear of the forest that feeds them.
3.96
3k+
The Forest People Summary
The Forest People 87%
The Mbuti have no chiefs, no crime, and no fear of the forest that feeds them.
by Colin M. Turnbull 1961
3.96
3k+ ratings
Children of Anguish and Anarchy
by Tomi Adeyemi • 2024
Imprisoned by a tyrant harvesting maji, Zélie must escape before her blood makes him a god.
3.41
19k+
Children of Anguish and Anarchy Summary
Children of Anguish and Anarchy 87%
Imprisoned by a tyrant harvesting maji, Zélie must escape before her blood makes him a god.
by Tomi Adeyemi 2024
3.41
19k+ ratings
African Religions & Philosophy
by John S. Mbiti • 1990
The dead are still family. Time has no future. Religion is the air.
3.85
280
African Religions & Philosophy Summary
African Religions & Philosophy 87%
The dead are still family. Time has no future. Religion is the air.
by John S. Mbiti 1990
3.85
280 ratings
The Pirates of Somalia
by Jay Bahadur • 2011
On a rattling Soviet plane, a journalist lands in Somalia to find the pirates everyone fears.
3.56
1k+
The Pirates of Somalia Summary
The Pirates of Somalia 87%
On a rattling Soviet plane, a journalist lands in Somalia to find the pirates everyone fears.
by Jay Bahadur 2011
3.56
1k+ ratings
The Scramble for Africa
by Thomas Pakenham • 1991
Livingstone begged to save Africa. Within a generation, it was carved up for rubber and gold.
4.15
3k+
The Scramble for Africa Summary
The Scramble for Africa 87%
Livingstone begged to save Africa. Within a generation, it was carved up for rubber and gold.
by Thomas Pakenham 1991
4.15
3k+ ratings
Facing the Lion
by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton • 2003
A Maasai boy shamed for fleeing a lion reclaims his courage on a soccer field.
3.90
2k+
Facing the Lion Summary
Facing the Lion 87%
A Maasai boy shamed for fleeing a lion reclaims his courage on a soccer field.
by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton 2003
3.90
2k+ ratings
King Leopold's Ghost
by Adam Hochschild • 1998
Private kingdom, fake charity, ten million dead: the Congo holocaust that Europe chose to forget.
4.19
70k+
King Leopold's Ghost Summary
King Leopold's Ghost 87%
Private kingdom, fake charity, ten million dead: the Congo holocaust that Europe chose to forget.
by Adam Hochschild 1998
4.19
70k+ ratings
The Next Africa
by Jake Bright • 2015
By 2030 half of Africans will be under 30. The economy they are building has no precedent.
3.88
86
The Next Africa Summary
The Next Africa 87%
By 2030 half of Africans will be under 30. The economy they are building has no precedent.
by Jake Bright 2015
3.88
86 ratings
"Mau Mau" detainee
by Josiah Mwangi Kariuki • 1976
They called it rehabilitation. He survived fourteen camps to tell what it really was.
3.81
16
"Mau Mau" detainee Summary
"Mau Mau" detainee 87%
They called it rehabilitation. He survived fourteen camps to tell what it really was.
by Josiah Mwangi Kariuki 1976
3.81
16 ratings
Empire
by Niall Ferguson • 2003
Piracy, sugar, and debt built the largest empire ever. The collapse outpaced the climb.
3.93
10k+
Empire Summary
Empire 87%
Piracy, sugar, and debt built the largest empire ever. The collapse outpaced the climb.
by Niall Ferguson 2003
3.93
10k+ ratings
Lily of the Nile
by Stephanie Dray • 2011
A captive in the emperor's house, Cleopatra's daughter hides divine powers she cannot yet control.
3.89
7k+
Lily of the Nile Summary
Lily of the Nile 87%
A captive in the emperor's house, Cleopatra's daughter hides divine powers she cannot yet control.
by Stephanie Dray 2011
3.89
7k+ ratings
There Was a Country
by Chinua Achebe • 2012
A literary witness to Biafra: starvation, secession, and the three-year war that consumed millions.
4.04
3k+
There Was a Country Summary
There Was a Country 87%
A literary witness to Biafra: starvation, secession, and the three-year war that consumed millions.
by Chinua Achebe 2012
4.04
3k+ ratings
A Handful of Hard Men
by Hannes Wessels • 2015
Fewer than 200 Rhodesian soldiers faced 10,000. They won every battle and still lost the war.
4.28
1k+
A Handful of Hard Men Summary
A Handful of Hard Men 87%
Fewer than 200 Rhodesian soldiers faced 10,000. They won every battle and still lost the war.
by Hannes Wessels 2015
4.28
1k+ ratings
In Sorcery's Shadow
by Paul Stoller • 1989
Birds defecate on an anthropologist in Niger. A sorcerer sees a sign and demands an apprenticeship.
3.98
312
In Sorcery's Shadow Summary
In Sorcery's Shadow 87%
Birds defecate on an anthropologist in Niger. A sorcerer sees a sign and demands an apprenticeship.
by Paul Stoller 1989
3.98
312 ratings
Nelson Mandela
by Martin Meredith • 1997
They put him on trial to silence him. His dock statement made apartheid the defendant instead.
4.17
347
Nelson Mandela Summary
Nelson Mandela 87%
They put him on trial to silence him. His dock statement made apartheid the defendant instead.
by Martin Meredith 1997
4.17
347 ratings
Roots
by Alex Haley • 1976
One stolen African refuses to forget his name. Seven generations on, his family still speaks it.
4.45
165k+
Roots Summary
Roots 87%
One stolen African refuses to forget his name. Seven generations on, his family still speaks it.
by Alex Haley 1976
4.45
165k+ ratings
The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts
by Baba Ifa Karade • 1994
Yoruba faith: one God, many Orishas, divination, and the code of balanced character.
4.24
511
The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts Summary
The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts 87%
Yoruba faith: one God, many Orishas, divination, and the code of balanced character.
by Baba Ifa Karade 1994
4.24
511 ratings
La Mort du roi Tsongor
by Laurent Gaudé • 2002
A childhood vow returns on a princess's wedding day, dooming her kingdom to war.
3.93
4k+
La Mort du roi Tsongor Summary
La Mort du roi Tsongor 87%
A childhood vow returns on a princess's wedding day, dooming her kingdom to war.
by Laurent Gaudé 2002
3.93
4k+ ratings
Lose Your Mother
by Saidiya Hartman • 2007
A historian goes to Ghana seeking roots. All anyone calls her is stranger.
4.29
3k+
Lose Your Mother Summary
Lose Your Mother 87%
A historian goes to Ghana seeking roots. All anyone calls her is stranger.
by Saidiya Hartman 2007
4.29
3k+ ratings
HEBREWS TO NEGROES
by Ronald Dalton Jr • 2014
Black people are the Bible's true Israelites, and their stolen history is the key to liberation.
4.09
221
HEBREWS TO NEGROES Summary
HEBREWS TO NEGROES 87%
Black people are the Bible's true Israelites, and their stolen history is the key to liberation.
by Ronald Dalton Jr 2014
4.09
221 ratings
Dead Aid
by Dambisa Moyo • 2009
Trillions in aid made Africa poorer. The remedy: trade, markets, and a hard deadline.
3.70
8k+
Dead Aid Summary
Dead Aid 87%
Trillions in aid made Africa poorer. The remedy: trade, markets, and a hard deadline.
by Dambisa Moyo 2009
3.70
8k+ ratings
The Looting Machine
by Tom Burgis • 2015
Your phone links you to a hidden network that turns Africa's oil and minerals into poverty.
4.04
3k+
The Looting Machine Summary
The Looting Machine 87%
Your phone links you to a hidden network that turns Africa's oil and minerals into poverty.
by Tom Burgis 2015
4.04
3k+ ratings
Tower of Blood and Flame
by A.E. Rayne • 2023
Enslaved on a blood-soaked isle, a warrior queen sparks a slave revolt before she is sacrificed.
4.71
771
Tower of Blood and Flame Summary
Tower of Blood and Flame 87%
Enslaved on a blood-soaked isle, a warrior queen sparks a slave revolt before she is sacrificed.
by A.E. Rayne 2023
4.71
771 ratings
The Heart of a Woman
by Maya Angelou • 2009
Marrying a South African freedom fighter took her from Harlem to Cairo, where love met its limits.
4.23
25k+
The Heart of a Woman Summary
The Heart of a Woman 87%
Marrying a South African freedom fighter took her from Harlem to Cairo, where love met its limits.
by Maya Angelou 2009
4.23
25k+ ratings
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families
by Philip Gourevitch • 1998
Seven pastors warned they would die tomorrow. The world read their letter and did nothing.
4.22
37k+
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families Summary
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families 87%
Seven pastors warned they would die tomorrow. The world read their letter and did nothing.
by Philip Gourevitch 1998
4.22
37k+ ratings
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