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Africa: A Biography of the Continent
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Africa: A Biography of the Continent Paperback - 1999

by John Reader

A British writer/photojournalist brings to light Africa's geology and evolution, the majestic array of its geography and climates, the rich diversity of its peoples and their ways of life, and more, in a book as splendid in its wealth of information as it is breathtaking in scope. 57 photos. 8 maps.


From the publisher

In 1978, paleontologists in East Africa discovered the earliest evidence of our divergence from the apes: three pre-human footprints, striding away from a volcano, were preserved in the petrified surface of a mudpan over three million years ago. Out of Africa, the world's most ancient and stable landmass, Homo sapiens dispersed across the globe. And yet the continent that gave birth to human history has long been woefully misunderstood and mistreated by the rest of the world. In a book as splendid in its wealth of information as it is breathtaking in scope, British writer and photojournalist John Reader brings to light Africa's geology and evolution, the majestic array of its landforms and environments, the rich diversity of its peoples and their ways of life, the devastating legacies of slavery and colonialism as well as recent political troubles and triumphs. Written in simple, elegant prose and illustrated with Reader's own photographs, Africa: A Biography of the Continent is an unforgettable book that will delight the general reader and expert alike.

First line

"Where Africa meets the ocean at its southernmost point, the sea has a tumbling, disorganized aspect, altogether lacking the orderly progression of swells that would seem proper where a large expanse of the south Atlantic first strikes land."

From the jacket flap

"Awe-inspiring . . . a masterly synthesis."
--"The New York Times Book Review "Deeply penetrating, intensely thought-provoking and thoroughly informed . . . one of the most important general surveys of Africa that has been produced in the last decade." --"The Washington Post
In 1978, paleontologists in East Africa discovered the earliest evidence of our divergence from the apes: three pre-human footprints, striding away from a volcano, were preserved in the petrified surface of a mudpan over three million years ago. Out of Africa, the world's most ancient and stable landmass, Homo sapiens dispersed across the globe. And yet the continent that gave birth to human history has long been woefully misunderstood and mistreated by the rest of the world. In a book as splendid in its wealth of information as it is breathtaking in scope, British writer and photojournalist John Reader brings to light Africa's geology and evolution, the majestic array of its landforms and environments, the rich diversity of its peoples and their ways of life, the devastating legacies of slavery and colonialism as well as recent political troubles and triumphs. Written in simple, elegant prose and illustrated with Reader's own photographs, Africa: A Biography of the Continent is an unforgettable book that will delight the general reader and expert alike.
"Breathtaking in its scope and detail." --"San Francisco Chronicle

Details

  • Title Africa: A Biography of the Continent
  • Author John Reader
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: repri
  • Pages 816
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Vintage, New York, New York, U.S.A.
  • Date September 7, 1999
  • Features Maps
  • ISBN 9780679738695 / 067973869X
  • Weight 1.62 lbs (0.73 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.76 x 5.26 x 1.69 in (19.71 x 13.36 x 4.29 cm)
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: African
  • Library of Congress subjects Africa - History
  • Dewey Decimal Code 960

Media reviews

Citations

  • New York Times, 09/12/1999, Page 42

About the author

John Reader is a writer and photojournalist. Born in London in 1937, he lived and traveled in Africa for many years. He currently holds an Honorary Research Fellowship in the Department of Anthropology at University College London.
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by John Reader

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