With nearly two hundred and fifty individually signed entries, the Encyclopedia of Twentieth-Century African History explores the ways in which the peoples of Africa and their politics, states, societies, economies, environments, cultures and arts were transformed during the course of that Janus-faced century. Overseen by a diverse and distinguished international team of consultant editors, the Encyclopedia provides a thorough examination of the global and local forces that shaped the changes that the continent underwent. Combining essential factual description with evaluation and analysis, the entries tease out patterns from across the continent as a whole, as well as within particular regions and countries: it is the first work of its kind to present such a comprehensive overview of twentieth-century African history. With full indexes and a thematic entry list, together with ample cross-referencing and suggestions for further reading, the Encyclopedia will be welcomed as an essential work of reference by both scholar and student of twentieth-century African history.

Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2004

'A welcome and significant addition to the reference material on modern Africa. Authoritative, balanced and scholarly, it is an essential purchase for all libraries supporting those engaged in the study of the continent. For other libraries with no specific interest in Africa this is still an acquisition that should be given serious consideration.' - Reference Reviews, May 2003'This Encyclopedia offers a rich collection of interpretation and analysis of the major economic, political, social and cultural changes that Africa underwent in the 20th century. It is an outstanding reference resource that will be an essential acquisition not only for African studies library collections, but also for other academic and major public libraries.' - The African Book Publishing Record