"From all indications, the fourth edition of Africa should not only endure the test of time, but also be found exceptionally useful by a wide spectrum of scholars, including college professors and their students in general."—Africa Today "This new edition offers a condensed yet thematically broad text suitable for both the undergraduate classroom and a popular audience. Abridged from twenty-one to fifteen chapters, Africa retains its tradition of interdisciplinary breadth by incorporating a range of accessible, thematically organized perspectives informed by the latest scholarship."—African Studies Review "A remarkable textbook that reflects and explains the diversity, dynamism, and dilemmas of the contemporary African continent. The chapters are engaging and accessible; they explore a broad range of topics, from the legacies of colonialism to popular art and debates about human rights. Africans are depicted as neither victims nor victors, but men and women seeking connections, security, pleasure, and creativity in an ever-changing world. I am sure that Africa will quickly become the 'go-to' text for introductory classes in African studies."—Dorothy L. Hodgson, Rutgers University "Africa has long been the best introduction to the dynamism of the African continent and to the struggles and aspirations of its peoples. This fully updated and largely rewritten 4th edition is thus a most welcome resource for all who seek to introduce students to the complex lived reality of the African continent in the 21st century. A comprehensive survey of a continent in motion."—Leonardo A. Villalón, University of Florida "A much anticipated and welcome update to a classic introductory text in African studies.  This beautifully assembled and presented book probes in appropriate detail a wide range of topics that will provide students with a firm foundation for understanding the African continent."—Michael Lambert, Director, African Studies Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill "This excellent and comprehensive collection succeeds in representing the diversity, dynamism, and flux that characterize contemporary Africa. Entries by leading Africanist scholars focus on processes and interconnections rather than on 'traditions,' revealing how Africans have long engaged in complex regional and global relations. The chapters make African agency visible and provide illustrations of African ingenuity, innovation, and creativity. The authors convey a sense of the controversies and the broad range of perspectives through which Africa and African issues have been perceived. The writing is lucid and lively. This state of the art compendium will be of use to all those interested in Africa."—Victoria Bernal, University of California, Irvine "This fourth edition of Africa is an outstanding up-to-date introductory text that discusses a range of subjects, from contemporary social and political relations to health, illness and healing; from economic development to literature, the visual arts and rural and urban life.  Well-written and appropriate for both students and the general reader, this volume brings to life Africa's past, and its many present-day 21st century realities. No other text covers so much and yet remains so accessible."—Sandra E. Greene, Cornell University "Africa is the product of careful planning and a great deal of hard work by many people recommended to any student who wishes to gain up-to-date information on the current sstate of knowledge in that increasingly complex and unwieldy specialization known as African Studies."—International Journal of African Historical Studies, International Journal of African Historical Studies, reviewing a previous edition or volume "An ideal undergraduate text for interdisciplinary courses or courses in history or politics. It could be used at an introductory graduate level, or by students of African studies wanting a brief background in another discipline . . . also an excellent book for non-academic purposes, simply for enjoyable reading."—Canadian Journal of African Studies, reviewing a previous edition or volume "Much has changed in Africa and in African studies in the last ten years, but one constant has been the enduring excellence of the anthology Africa."—International Journal of African Historical Studies, reviewing a previous edition or volume "A treasure trove of information, critical analysis, and informed and informative comment."—Sunday Independent (Durban), reviewing a previous edition or volume "Here is a highly recommended multidisciplinary introductory volume, one which should appeal to the serious general reader as well as to the student specializing in African studies."—, reviewing a previous edition or volume "[P]rovides an excellent introductory overview of the continent . . . ."—Africa, reviewing a previous edition or volume "Africa is the product of careful planning and a great deal of hard work by many people recommended to any student who wishes to gain up-to-date information on the current sstate of knowledge in that increasingly complex and unwieldy specialization known as African Studies.International Journal of African Historical Study"—International Journal of African Historical Studies "An ideal undergraduate text for interdisciplinary courses or courses in history or politics. It could be used at an introductory graduate level, or by students of African studies wanting a brief background in another discipline . . . also an excellent book for non-academic purposes, simply for enjoyable reading."—Canadian Journal of African Studies "Much has changed in Africa and in African studies in the last ten years, but one constant has been the enduring excellence of the anthology Africa."—International Journal of African Historical Studies "A treasure trove of information, critical analysis, and informed and informative comment."—Sunday Independent (Durban) "Here is a highly recommended multidisciplinary introductory volume, one which should appeal to the serious general reader as well as to the student specializing in African studies."—The Nigerian Field "[P]rovides an excellent introductory overview of the continent . . . .59.1 1989"—Africa