Studies in African History

Originally published between 1969 and 1976 these 11 volumes covering Botswana, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania combine historical approach with political analysis in an area of the world and at a time when events were constantly evolving. Reliable official sources of information were often unavailable to the authors, many of whom had spent considerable time in the countries they were writing about. Whether discussing the role of the military in newly independent countries, history, language or geography, what comes through clearly in this collection is the sense of nation building and national identity across Africa at a momentous point in the continent’s history.

The books in this set:



Trace the remarkable expansion of Swahili

Analyse the aims and structure of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)

provides a synthesis of Yoruba and Igbomina history, culture and archaeology

Combine detailed technical studies of the diplomacy of the land and waterborne warfare of pre-colonial West Africa.

Assess Botswana’s relations with other African states, particularly South Africa.

Describe the transformation of despised colonial defence force into a Nigerian army with a popularly recognized reputation.