Africa Since 1935 (General History of Africa. Volume 8). Ali. A. Mazrui ed. California: University of California Press 1999. 1072 pp.

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Persons familiar with UNESCO’s History of Africa series would welcome this final volume, which deals with Africa from 1935 to the 1990s. The years under consideration cover a crucial period in world history, particularly Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia (1935), World War Two, anticolonial struggles and independence.

It is commendable that the thirty chapters are divided into seven sections with appropriate themes. One noteworthy feature is that the publication does not attempt to glorify Africa but instead offers an objective and coherent history of its people, institutions, economic conditions and political systems. For instance, chapter 13, “Industrial development and urban growth, 1935-80”, acknowledges the causes and existence of squatter settlements in such areas as Lagos, Nairobi, and Algiers.

The wealth of relevant tables, statistics, plates, photographs, charts and maps add luster to the study of Africa’s recent past. Undoubtedly, the book’s diversity of information will appeal to persons in a broad range of fields including agriculture, economics, sociology, history, politics and geography. This stems from a multifaceted approach and multidisciplinary method which is based on a variety of sources as evident in the comprehensive bibliography.

In the 21st century, with the encompassing globalization, certain chapters such as “Pan-Africanism and Regional Integration” and “Nation-building and Changing Political Structures,” will be extremely relevant for Africa in the future. There are some interesting topics such as that pertaining to the African diaspora. Joseph Harris in “Africa and its Diaspora Since 1935” must be lauded for mentioning the contributions of  the African diaspora in Latin America and South America. Previous scholars have tended to overwhelmingly focus on the African diaspora, in the United States or Caribbean.

There was need for more information on the horrendous impact of AIDS on the African continent. Apart from a brief mention, this volume remained surprisingly silent on diseases and health. Such an omission is unforgivable and the editor should have sensed the gravity of the issue and included a chapter on AIDS and diseases facing Africans, which could have examined strategies to curb the spread of these diseases as well as addressing the humanitarian efforts of international organizations.

On a daily basis, the glaring challenges such as desertification, poverty, diseases, deforestation and lack of political unity threaten millions of Africans. Undoubtedly, Africa has to solve its problems and be prepared for the technological revolution and globalization. The creativity and resilience of the Africans are assets which will serve them well in coping with an uncertain future. This volume allows us to appreciate not only Africa’s burdens but the North-South divide and the schism between developing and underdeveloping countries. Despite minor shortcomings, the final volume in the series on the history of Africa is a testimony that Africa has a  proud tradition of intellectual, cultural and political skills and achievements.

Jerome Teelucksingh
University of the West Indies