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An African History of Africa

From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence

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An African History of Africa

By: Zeinab Badawi
Narrated by: Zeinab Badawi
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone.

For too long, Africa's history has been neglected. Dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, its past has been fragmented, overlooked and denied its rightful place in our global story.

Now, Zeinab Badawi guides us through Africa's spectacular history, from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires with powerful queens and kings, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence.

Seeking out occluded histories from across the continent, meeting with countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, and travelling through more than thirty countries, Badawi weaves together a fascinating new account of Africa: an epic, sweeping history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.

©2024 Zeinab Badawi (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Africa Americas Ancient Black & African American Civilization Modern United States World Thought-Provoking Royalty Imperialism Middle Ages Middle East

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Critic reviews

Zeinab Badawi’s remarkable new book lives up to her dependable standards of excellence. It takes the reader on an up-close-and-personal journey across this unique continent, seemingly holding your hand while uncovering extraordinary gems of truth as she allows previously untold stories to be heard (Margaret Busby CBE)
A fascinating, thought-provoking and entertaining romp through several thousand years of history . . . This book is for everyone not only in the sense that we are all, ultimately, from Africa, but also because it is highly readable (Justin Marozzi)
A refreshing corrective to narratives imposed on the continent by others . . . Ambitious in scope . . . The very act of telling African history from an African perspective and by making this history accessible to a wide audience is an assertion of dignity and an invitation to learn more . . . As Badawi puts it: “I hope I have demonstrated that Africa has a history, that it is a fundamental part of our global story, and one that is worthy of greater attention and respect than it has so far received.” She most certainly has (Simukai Chigdu)
Zeinab Badawi reclaims her home continent’s past . . . Researched across more than 30 countries, it brings dazzling civilisations of pre-colonial Africa vividly to life. A book that feels long-overdue . . . and wholly worth the wait
Authoritative and compelling (Sathnam Sanghera)
In a world where western narratives have poorly chalked up Africa’s history to simply one of slavery and colonialism, Badawi heads out on a corrective journey. Visiting 30 of the continent’s countries and interviewing everyone from historians to anthropologists, this is an eye-opening book
Both a tour d'horizon and a tour de force, marvellously readable and beautifully written. This is a book that should be read by anyone who is interested in Africa, by anyone who thinks they know all they need to know about Africa, and above all by anyone who has no interest in Africa at all. It will transform their views of the continent, its peoples and its histories. I cannot recommend it too strongly or praise it too highly (Professor Sir David Cannadine)
Epic, magnificent, brilliant. Zeinab Badawi's soaring African history is as majestic, thrilling and vibrant as the continent of Africa itself. A moving personal journey, an investigation into the earliest years of human life, a powerful manifesto for historical research and national memory, this genius book - bursting with stories of incredible courage and determination, from battling empires, colonial fightback, ending the slave trade and forming nations - is a tour de force and entirely unforgettable (Professor Kate Williams)
All stars
Most relevant
Zeinab Badawi has written a book for this age of information. I am glad that this book exists. it's about time that Afrikan history is being told with aplomb, truth and full respect.

About Time

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an absolute must read. so refreshing to read about so much African history pre Colonial times.

moving and enlightening

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Really enjoyed this as a broad overview of African history, much of which I was not familiar with. Of course there isn’t time for much detail in some sections but that has to be accepted. Overall an engaging narration and well structured book.

Very interesting

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This is an essential introduction to a history that continues to be hidden from Western eyes by an education system that still views Africa through the lens of slavery only and denies Africans their place in the story of civilisation.

A history I'm ashamed to say I didn't know

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I have been looking for more information on African history and this was a good book for that. There is so little I felt I know about African history and this was full of many very interesting facts and perspectives. Sometimes a little dry due to many facts but it did enlighten me a lot. Worked better for me approaching it in chunks, but I did enjoy it,

Good overview of African history

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