Summaries of books about African History:
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The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu
And Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts
Joshua Hammer
The book chronicles the efforts of Abdel Kader Haidara, a librarian in Mali, who organized a dangerous operation to smuggle hundreds of thousands of ancient Islamic and secular manuscripts out of Timbuktu to protect them from destruction by Al Qaeda-linked jihadists. It details the history of the manuscripts, the rise of Islamic extremism in the region, and the daring rescue mission to preserve invaluable cultural heritage.
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We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families
Stories from Rwanda
Philip Gourevitch
The book provides a harrowing account of the 1994 Rwandan genocide through interviews with survivors, perpetrators, and observers, detailing the atrocities and the complex political and social circumstances that led to the massacre of over 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu. It also explores the aftermath of the violence, including the challenges of justice and reconciliation in Rwanda.
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Three Sips of Gin
Dominating the Battlespace with Rhodesia's Elite Selous Scouts
Timothy Bax
The book provides a personal account of the author's experiences as a member of the Selous Scouts, an elite special forces unit during the Rhodesian Bush War. It delves into the unconventional warfare tactics, reconnaissance missions, and counter-insurgency operations that characterized the unit's efforts to combat guerrilla forces.
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A History of Nigeria
Toyin Falola|Matthew M. Heaton
The book offers a comprehensive overview of Nigeria's complex history, from its pre-colonial past through the colonial period to its ongoing challenges in the post-independence era. It explores the diverse ethnic, political, and social forces that have shaped Africa's most populous country.
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The Congo from Leopold to Kabila
A People's History
Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the Democratic Republic of Congo's political history, from the exploitative colonial rule of King Leopold II to the tumultuous reign of Laurent-Désiré Kabila. It examines the socio-political struggles, resistance movements, and the impact of foreign intervention on the Congolese people's quest for self-determination and social justice.
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The Making of Modern South Africa
Conquest, Apartheid, Democracy
Nigel Worden
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of South Africa's historical development, examining the processes of colonial conquest, the establishment of racial segregation and apartheid, and the eventual transition to a democratic society. It delves into the socio-political and economic factors that shaped the nation, highlighting the struggles and contributions of various groups in the evolution of modern South Africa.
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