Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but some problems
Review: A good introduction to Africa and full of eye-opening facts, perhaps because it's written by a journalist. Also, extraordinary photos, all taken by Reader. But it has some problems. He's best at telling a story, so the later part of the book, dealing with historical incidents, is much better than the earlier part, where he has to rely on archeology. The discussion of the slave trade is probably the strongest and most detailed part of the book. Also, the book is more of a representative sample of parts of African history than a complete survey. That choice may make sense, because Africa is very big, but some of the omissions are too bad. For instance, Reader barely mentions the role of Islam in Africa. I have no political problem with that, but it is somewhat misleading and some readers may not find what they were looking for. Another point: Reader is determined to demonstrate that Europeans and Americans don't give Africans enough credit for their accomplishments. That's fair, but his direct statements of opinion seem out of place in a history. Finally, the maps are totally inadequate.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent.
Review: At the risk of waxing egotical, and with the sole intention of shedding light on my demographic, allow me to give a bit of background on myself: I am 27, an adjunct college writing professor with an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and a B.A. in Psych, and someone who has spent three and a half years overseas. I am in the process of going through the steps to join the Peace Corps, and as such, was looking for a single tome of African history that would catch me up on the holes left by my previous schooling. The Sound Byte: After reading the book, I feel as if I have gone from knowing nothing at all of Africa to having a fairly decent grasp on a very basic outline of the continent. If there is a primary strength to the book, it is that it serves as a wonderful jumping-off point to further independent research on any number of different topics. For this reason alone, it is a worthwhile read. Though I have social science background, my knowledge of archaeology is rather spotty. His analyses I take as well grounded, and he seems to do a decent job of putting in appropriate caveats when the situation warrants. This applies equally to the realms of geology, biology, and evolution which constitute the first half of the book. His liberal use of Historical Linguistics to make large and sweeping statements about pre-historic Africa is interesting, though must, I feel, be taken with a grain of salt. My experience with H.L. leads me to believe that much of it is driven by A Need To Be Published, but on the whole it makes for a few interesting, if flimsy, points. The complaint of another reviewer concerning the lack of primary sources is valid, but must be somewhat tempered by the fact that there are few bibliographies made in non-literate societies. While on the topic of bibliographies: Mr. Reader has compiled a wonderful, if slightly dated, resource for anyone who would like to learn more about the continent. I can't imagine the amount of research and time that was invested in the writing of this book. It is dense yet quick moving. I found myself putting the book down frequently - not because I wanted to stop reading, but because I didn't want it to end. For anyone as ignorant as myself, I can think of no better a treat than the time spent reading this book. It has taught me innumerable things, many of which can be thrown casually into dinner conversation in order to impress the hosts. Buy it, and send a bouquet of flowers to its author.
Rating:
Summary: Africa, a Biography for Everyone
Review: Considering the magnitude of his undertaking, Mr Reader did a superb job of covering his subject in nearly every aspect possible. Almost anyone with an interest in geology, geography, anthropology, ancient and recent history, political science or ethnography will find this book of interest in some aspect. Personally I enjoyed the first half of the volume more than the last half, as the later chapters are a depressing compendium of the inhumanity of mankind to its brethern. The unfortunate effects of foreign involvement in African affairs has a long history, and Mr. Reader dealt with the subject fully and fairly; nor did he entirely absolve native African involvement in the down fall of some of its own cultures. The author seems to have a feel for the complexity of the events that occurred through time and of the reprocussions--the almost dominoe effect--of actions and decisions made, often times outside of Continental Africa itself. (A case of 20-20 hindsight, perhaps). In all a very readable book for anyone desiring a broad overview of Africa.
Rating:
Summary: Wrong perspective
Review: Reader's book is more about foreigners in Africa than about Africans. Admittedly, it is difficult to put together a comprehensive history from the African perspective due to the lack of documents. However, in the last three decades other scholars have been working on just that. Those books are significantly better than Reader's.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent.
Review: This book attempts to answer a question -why is it that the human population of Africa had risen to just 47 million by AD 1500, whilst the out of Africa population, (starting out as perhaps 100 from 100,000 years ago), had reached 300 million? (p3). What is it about Africa which makes things difficult for modern humans, even though we (very likely) originated there? The books starts, where it should, with geology. It is a very ancient and varied landmass, also containing some of the world's richest deposits of gold, platinum, palladium, chromium, gold and diamonds, which have driven many economies of modern Africa. It collided with Eurasia about 30 million years ago (Ma), and it is possible that primates entered Africa from Eurasia and North America, as no primates older than 35Ma have been found in Africa, but are abundant between 65-40Ma ago in North America and Europe (p31). Africa has had more of its land surface covered with tropical forest, for a longer period, than any other part of the globe (p35). The forests have also shifted markedly across lattitudinal zones over time. A string of primate species found in Africa are detailed- Aegyptopithecus (35Ma), Proconsul (17Ma), Kenyapithicus (15Ma), Australopithicus (4Ma). Unfortunately, there is a stratigraphical and corresponding fossil gap between 15-4Ma, meaning our deeper origins are obscured. Between 14-4 Ma only about 0.1% of the continent are rocks of this age, with the best example being the Tugen Hills in Kenya, with an almost complete succession. (For curiosity -there is a 20cm bone bed in this sequence at 15.4-15.6Ma, which almost defies geological explanation-p49). Importantly, this sequence shows that during the time of hominid evolution, "a mosaic of grassland, woodland, and patches of forest which exists today has charaterised the region for at least the last 15.5 million years" p52, "If homonids evolved in East Africa...they did so in an ecologically diverse setting"p53. Mr Reader argues the rather controversial view that, in Africa, competition for resources is a more dominant factor in speciation than climate change, and in this he includes the hominid line (p41,ch4,5,6). The upright bipedal hominid line which evolved, he argues, were 'migratory nomads', taking advantage of an hitherto unexploited resource-the emergance of migrating herds on the savannah (p62-63). Homo habilis, Homo erectus (who left Africa), and finally Homo sapien are discussed-whom he argues came out of Africa around 0.1Ma. He skips a few species though along this line, and contends that the development of larger brains had alot to do with an elaborate whole-body cooling system for the naked upright ape on the hot savannah, which protects the brain from heat stress (p87-89). The !Khung hunter-gatherers are given detailed dicussion, in which he contends that their numbers and distribution are/were determined by the law of the minumum -"cycles of boom and bust" in Africa's generally poor soils and climate. Another interesting discussion concerns the discovery of significant hunting implements and culture from 75-90,000 years ago at Katanda in Central Africa, 'putting to shame' the idea that these evolved in non-African areas. The digging stick and projectile point found here, he contends, were precursors to the modern world (p142). Agriculture can be traced to 70,000 years ago in Southen Africa, and organised food production to 15,000 years ago on the Nile. Pottery and domestication came largely from the near East, where conditons seem to be more favouable (p157-160). Problems with the tsetse fly and a variety of other diseases- in domesticates and also humans-is significant in the inhibited development in Africa in general. He argues "by leaving the tropical environments of the cradle in which humanity evoled, the migrants also left behind the many parasites and disease organisms" p234 (trypanosomes, schistosomiasis, hookworms, plasmodium (malaria)), which mitigates against development in Africa for mankinds exclusive dominance of the environment (p242). Copper and iron smelting were significant developments in food production (for tools) and trade. A chapter on the Island of Meroe is an interesting tale-in which he argues that its success was also its downfall-iron smelting demanded unsustainable hardwood timber supplies, which also occurred at Aksum. Other discussions include: elephants (which restrict farming p256), crops, cattle, the Gold Coast and Portuguese greed, the slave trade, (slavery had existed for ages in Africa), and how bananas thrive in Nigeria's climate. Modern independant states and the decline of imperilism and colonism is also quite detailed for those interested in more modern African history. In summary, "unpredictable ecology and the (concommitant) need to maintain voluntary and co-operative barter relationships militated against the emergance of groups powerful enough to rule others, whilst the age-set system ruled against the emergence of dominant lineages within groups". Result- little or no state formation in Africa until the modern age, and still there are problems (eg p258-259, p360). Another very interesting chapter concerns diamonds, gold, and the development of the control of labour conditions in 19th century South African mines (ch45)-which was also a social precursor to 20th century apartheid (p503). Those who owned the capital (minerals) made the rules for the labour camps-who then also made the rules for greater society. Overall a good summary, but technically questionable in many areas (as a geologist I can see quite a few errors-eg 'gold is formed exclusively in ancient cratons', or that Russia and Africa have the only diamond-pipe mines in the world-both entirely incorrect). This error rate partially reflects the fact that this is largely a western overview, lacking in sufficient critical editing over time from sources within the continent. Hopefully this will change.
Rating:
Summary: A Magnificent Work
Review: This is a huge book, but unlike most others, I was sorry to see it end. This is due to Reader's intelligent and clear writing style. He conveys an enormous amount of information in chapters which are usually no more than 10 pages. Those looking for a conventional history will be a bit puzzled at first. Reader spends more time talking about the prehistory of Africa and the development of homo sapiens in general than he does about 20th century African events. Nevertheless, the episodes he chooses to focus on are memorable. His description of the slave trade and its effect on the African continent is notable both for its horror and for the unbiased eye he casts on both the Europeans and Africans involved in perpetuating it. Reader draws upon a huge number of sources for the book (the bibliography is huge) and synthesises them into a lucid narrative, despite the gaps and omissions (nothing much on North Africa, for example). He is especially opinionated about the West's stereotypical image of Africa as a verdant, unspoiled land. Still, he presents a wide variety of information drawn from his voluminous reading, and he always identifies speculation as speculation. It is impossible in such a short space to do justice to a book that basically defies description. While it focuses on Africa, Reader's book deals with so many subjects, and does it so well, that it will leave you almost breathless.
Rating:
Summary: A quite satisfying 7-course meal of a tour.
Review: This is exactly what I was looking for: a sweeping panorama both over time and space of the "dark continent". Having recently made friends from several sub-Saharan African countries I wanted a better picture of what is happening there NOW, which for me meant getting some picture of what has happened over the last 100 years, which meant understanding colonialism and it's effects on the people, which meant understanding the lives of people prior to that time, which meant... You get the picture. I wanted it all and wanted it from the dawn of time to today and covering all areas of the continent.
John's book does that about as well as I can imagine any book doing so. His writing is easy to read, which is a good thing because this is one long read. It certainly doesn't leave one an expert in things African, but it provides a solid foundation from which to build current relationships and future knowledge. Heartily recommended for anyone with little prior exposure to the history of the continent and an eagerness to learn about it.
Rating:
Summary: Sweeping, exciting, but sometimes lacks rigor
Review: To say that Reader brings passion and vitality to his account of the African continent is an understatement. Here is an example of history communicated in prose as engrossing as the best mystery novel. Once you have started this book, you will be loathe to put it down, because Reader sweeps you up, wraps you in his unfolding drama, and paints a story of epic proportions. You will want to find out: What happens next? Nonetheless, there are times when I found myself jotting furiously in the margins in disagreement over some of Reader's evolutionary conclusions and the interpretation of archealogical evidence. At times, Reader is all to eager to pick apart one interpretation on fairly specific grounds, only to embrace another that is equally suspect. In short, as a scientist, I found myself doubting the scientific rigor of some of Reader's conclusions. The sole reason for my 3-star rating is based on the occasional "fast and loose" science in the first third of so of the book. However, this should not deter anyone from reading this book, which taken as a whole, is nothing short of an achievement.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay, but not the best book on africa !
Review: To some extent this is a strange book. Most histories focus on politics or people. This book starts of by looking at the geographic history of the continent and the formation of animal and plant life. It then goes on to discuss the evolution and development of man. One interesting part of the book is a new tweak to the theory of evolution. Man is unique as being an animal who walks upright. Previous theories have suggested that this was an adaptation which occurred because it would allow for man to see further ahead and seek out food and to avoid danger. This book suggests a new explanation. It suggests as others have that man initially was a scavenger. The book even quotes information about the death rate of herd animals. It shows that the vast majority of herd animals some 80% die of natural causes and only 20% through predators. There is an evolutionary niche for animals to follow grazing herds and to eat those animals who die of natural causes. This book however suggests that the reason for the development of an upright stance would have other advantages than extending vision. That advantage would be an ability to function in high temperatures. Man because he walks upright only has a small surface area showing to the son. The lack of body hair and the ability to sweat also means that he has an ability to lose body heat. The book compares mans ability with a number of other animals. The advantage that man had over other scavengers was the ability to scavenge during the day. The book moves on to discuss the history of Africa before and after colonialism. The amount of the book devoted to other subjects means that this material is dealt with in a way that is somewhat superficial. Never the less the book is interesting and a good introduction to Africa.
Rating:
Summary: Light dispelling the dark
Review: With all the force of a shuttle launch, Reader lofts us to a sweeping vista of our home continent. A passionate narrative, supported by a wealth of material, he ensures the pejorative "dark continent" will never again be uttered by his readers. Far too many of us have allowed years of ignorant press to cloud our perception of the continent of our origins. Reading this book provides a new base of knowledge about the continent giving us birth. "Base" suggests Reader's starting point, which opens with a description of the cratons forming Africa, the world's oldest bedrock. Rocks alone don't make a continent, and Reader continues with a discussion of how Africa's climate has been instrumental in guiding many aspects of Africa's development. The issue of rainfall or lack of it, its impact on river courses and lake formation are brought to bear as the story progresses. Reader goes on to describe the rise of life in Africa, most significantly, of course, the emergence of humans. His use of science is impressive, clearly the result of extensive and careful research. From human beginnings he moves to the development of African civilizations. For years Egypt dominated western thinking in the equation of Africa and society. Reader's takes us through the societies that emerged apart from Egypt. He describes societies that developed in sub-Saharan Africa and how circumstances vary with location. That Africa set examples for later communal development is frequently overlooked, and he describes representative societies that developed in Africa. The Niger Delta and Aksum, two of the communities, one agricultural and the other a commercial centre, are samples of successful human organization in Africa. Clearly, the tradition of scattered tribes with garden farms supporting chancy hunting as the typical African condition is false and misleading. Reader's chapters on slavery and the slave trade are enlightening. The Western Hemisphere remains self-congratulatory on the extinction of slavery, even though it took a war to accomplish it. Reader makes clear that the impact of the slavery endured into modern times, and the social consequences are both intense and widespread. Raiders and victims persisted for decades, and today's political clashes have roots in the slave trade. If we are to comprehend the African scene, Reader reminds us, we can start with a firmer knowledge of slavery's impact than our media has given us. Reader's account of modern nation building in Africa is captivating reading. One glaring fact emerges - Africa has more national borders than any other continent. This artifact of colonization should be a starting point of any course on the continent. Reader notes that 177 "ethnic cultural areas" are crossed by these artificial boundaries, with predictable results. Uncertainties, lack of communication with urban centres, and rivalries all contribute to the failure of European and North American policy-makers to properly formulate responses to
African "national" conditions. The scope of Reader's portrayal of Africa is too broad to allow a detailed account of modern events. This book being a "Biography of the Continent" and not a "current events" report precludes deep analysis of contemporary affairs. The fascinating life of Idi Amin, for example, is omitted entirely from Reader's roll call of African figures. That shouldn't dissuade anyone wishing to begin to understand the continent of our birth. Start with Reader's account then seek through his bibliography for further reading. This book is essential as a starting point in learning about the land of our beginnings and beyond.
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