A History of African Societies to 1870 [Paperback]

An exploration of the African past, from prehistory to about 1870.This detailed exploration of the African past, from prehistory to about 1870, offers an up-to-date complement to the Cambridge History of Africa. Covering all facets of the continent's history with exceptional erudition, Professor Isichei displays immense learning and an exhaustive command of the literature. The study reflects several emphases in recent scholarship, focussing on 'history seen from below', on changing modes of production, on gender relations and on ecology. A second volume, now in preparation, will cover the period from 1870 to 1995.This detailed exploration of the African past, from prehistory to about 1870, offers an up-to-date complement to the Cambridge History of Africa. Covering all facets of the continent's history with exceptional erudition, Professor Isichei displays immense learning and an exhaustive command of the literature. The study reflects several emphases in recent scholarship, focussing on 'history seen from below', on changing modes of production, on gender relations and on ecology. A second volume, now in preparation, will cover the period from 1870 to 1995.This is a detailed exploration of the African past, from prehistory to about 1870. Covering all facets of the continent's history with erudition, Professor Isichei displays immense learning and an exhaustive command of the literature. The study reflects several emphases in recent scholarship, focusing on history seen from below , on changing modes of production, on gender relations and on ecology. A second volume, now in preparation, will cover the period from 1870 to 1995.Acknowledgements; Part I. Continental Perspectives: Perimeters: 1. Prelude: Africa and the historians; 2. Out of Africa: the precursors; 3. Environment, language and art c. 10,000c. 500 BCE; 4. Producing more food c. 10,000c. 500 BCE 5. Copper and iron c. 600 BCEc. 1000 CE; 6. Models: Production, Power and Gender; Part II. Regional HistolF