Reviews (7)

Machete Season: The Killers in Rwanda Speak
Tough material.Well written and tactfully managed but the fact is that this was a terribly violent episode in African history thus is not an easy subject to read about.The author does a superb job of getting the convicted murderers to open up and gives a descriptive insight to the events that took place in April of '94.Gripping, hard to put down, even harder to comprehend.

"every one should read this book" (Sontag, in intro)
This is simply an AMAZING -- yet horrifingly stomach-churning --collection of testimonials by killers of Rwanda from the rural region of Nyamata. And like Sontag points out in her intro, "every one should read this book."
How ordinary people become mass murderers.
For any people who say that genocide could not happen in their country, read Machete Season.Even though Rwanda was not a functioning democracy with a long history, how did ordinary people become killers and destroy 800,000 people in the process.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Africa - Central    3. Atrocities    4. Civil War, 1994    5. Crimes against    6. Genocide    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Hutu (African people)    11. Personal narratives    12. Rwanda    13. Tutsi (African people)   

Reviews (68)

The "Father Of Terrors"~The Greatest Story Never Told
When it comes to the field of speculative/alternative world history there's nothing more fascinating to speculate about than the true age and origin of the two most impressive, awe inspiring monuments on the face of the Earth, the great Pyramid of Cheops and the Sphinx. When you add to the discussion ancient mystery schools, occult considerations and the transmission of arcane knowledge you've got my undivided attention!
Very clear and very convincing
I read The Message of the Sphinx after I became interested in studying the pyramids through Peter Tompkins' The Secrets of the Great Pyramids last week.I was a bit skeptical about Tompkins' theories, and I was hoping that this book would shed some light on the issue.It did.Graham Hancock presents a rather compelling case that an advanced race which existed before the Egyptians designed the pyramids and built the Sphinx.He has lots of good evidence to back up his claims, and though he presents a little less evidence than Tompkins does, Hancock presents it in a much clearer and more convincing manner.He takes the time to explain what each piece of evidence means.
good Fiction
Just like the old Chariots of Gods, his books are very interesting and and entertaining.But please dont think that you are reading a scientific work.Real historical works are not as sexy and entertaining as these books just as real archeologists are not Indiana Joneses. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Antiquities    3. Archaeology    4. Archaeology / Anthropology    5. Egypt    6. Great Pyramid (Egypt)    7. Great Sphinx (Egypt)    8. History: World    9. Miscellanea    10. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    11. Social Science / Archaeology   

Reviews (79)

If you like parti pris rhetoric then you'll love this book!
Do you like to be lied to? Do you like propaganda and ill concieved agendas shoved down your throat? Do you like people who state theories as facts and then offer no evidence to substantiate their claims? Do you want to read a book which very existence would make Herodotus turn over in his grave and cause anyone who believes an accurate potrayl of history to be important to feel nothing but deep despair? If your answer was yes to one or more of these questions then you'll probably really enjoy this book. However if you're an intelligent and reasonable person who believes history to be something that is objective, rather then something subjective that can be changed to fulfill the ego of insecure people then this book probably isn't for you. However, if you are interested in the outlandish Afrocentric claims to Greek antiquity then I would recommend reading 'Not Out Of Africa' by Mary Lefkowitz.

A Truly Great Piece of Scholarship
Black athena is a great piece of scholarship, as evidenced by both the apoplectic reaction of those who still cling desperately to their white supremacist/Eurocentric point of view, and the impact it has had on scholarship, especially the reclaiming of the multicultural basis of ancient Greek civilization and of the ancient mediterranean world.Even the most defensive academic critics have conceded the basic theses of Bernal's Black Athena (despite the rantings of ignorant lay-people and racists in the preceding reviews): The ancient Egyptions(who were, of course, African and as "black" as most of the people designated as "black" within the US schema of what that means) had a significant influence on the civilization that eventually arose in Greece and other parts of the mediterranean world (as did the Ethiopians), AND this influence was covered up and obscured by Eurocentric and racist scholars in more modern times because it did not fit into the prevailing white supremacist world-view.
Red-Necks and Black Athena

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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Greece    2. Civilization    3. Egyptian influences    4. Europe - Greece    5. Greece    6. History - General History    7. History: American    8. Phoenician influences    9. To 146 B.C    10. American history    11. USA   

Reviews (12)

Cry, the beloved country! (take two)

History of South Africa
A thoroughly good and interesting read . Full of imformation and facts

Revisionist, true and great
The history of South Africa is mostly one of violence, starting from the earliest beginning when the Europeans came from Portugal, England and Holland. The Dutch set up a fort in Cape Town from which European settlement of the southern part of Africa.
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Subjects:  1. Africa - South - South Africa    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. South Africa    6. African history    7. History / South Africa    8. Republic of South Africa   

Reviews (1)

Rice and the African Connection
Black Rice: The African Origins of Rice Cultivation in the Americas.Judith A. Carney.Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2001.xiv and 240 pp.Notes, references, and index.(ISBN 0-674-00452-3)
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Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Africa    7. African history    8. Agriculture & related industries    9. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    10. American history: pre-Columbian period, BCE to c 1500    11. Black studies    12. Latin America    13. North America    14. Social Science / African-American Studies    15. The Americas   

Reviews (22)

The Kalahari!
Gripping and enthralling:A narrative of the adventures of two nascent scientists in the vastness and rapidly disappearing Kalahari region of Botswana.
Cry the Kalahari
The story is riveting, heart warming and inspiring. Mark & Delia's tales of courage. commitment, gile and passion are an inspiration for all.

Top of the line for lovers of nature adventure romance ...
Everyone should read this book.Having said that, here are some goods & some bads about THE CRY OF THE KALAHARI.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography And Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Botswana    5. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    6. Environmental Protection    7. Kalahari Desert    8. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    9. Nature    10. Nature/Ecology    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Special Interest - Adventure    13. Zoology    14. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    15. Nature / Wildlife   

Reviews (1)

Where did the Sphinx come from?And other mysteries
Theories that change what we know of as history are often interesting, if outlandish.Sometimes, they're just too incredible to believe; other times, they have a pretty good whiff of plausibility, making the book presenting these theories just that much more intriguing.Before the Pharaohs is an example of the latter.Almost fatally hindered by an extremely slow and boring first sixty pages, the book picks up steam and becomes a fascinating look at the secrets of the pyramids, the Sphinx, and Egypt in the time before recorded history begins.Malkowski takes a wide array of theories and ties them all together.He never hides what current theory is, instead presenting his own (or, quite often, others that he agrees with) in a way that makes the reader think about this all in a new light.With a couple of missteps, the book continues on this high level, never quite losing me once it had worked to reel me in.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Ancient - General    3. Ancient Egypt - History    4. Civilization    5. Civilization, Ancient    6. Controversial Knowledge    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History Of Civilization And Culture (General)    10. History: World    11. Mythical Civilizations    12. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    13. Prehistoric peoples    14. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    15. Ancient Egypt    16. Controversial Knowledge & Mysteries    17. History / Ancient / General   

Editorial Review

"The ancestors of all humanity evolved in Africa," notes photojournalist John Reader at the beginning of this epic, panoramic overview of African history. From the formation of the continent to the present, Reader's informative narrative tells the story of the earliest dwellers and the natural obstacles of desert, jungle, and animals they faced, expertly entwining the development of humanity with the ecological and geographical evolution of the continent. He demonstrates how the physical makeup of Africa is like nowhere else on earth, both supporting and crippling human progress over time. Reader, who has lived and traveled in Africa for many years, explores the migration of humanity as early as 100,000 years ago out of Africa into Europe and South America, forming the earliest indigenous populations in these areas. At the same time he traces the effects of European settlers, slavery, and tribal warfare to the present day's independent states that have suffered through chronic disease, famine, and brutal conflict. Reader's passion for this continent is evident throughout the text, bringing to life his scrupulous research which explores in fascinating detail, the intricate and complex history of Africa. --Read more

Reviews (31)

Cuts a broad swath through African history
Utilizing the multi-disciplinary approach that has become so popular in recent years, this lively work of African history encompasses information from the fields of geology, botany, anthropology, linguistics, evolutionary biology, economics, political science, and, of course, history.Recommended for anyone who wants more than just a superficial account of the political, military, or economic history of the continent, especially as so many of those focus of the era of European colonialism.

Rich in information
This book contains a lot of information concernig Africa, as a continent, as separate countries, and finally Africa sen by its people....
A wonderful read with one hole
In this excellent well written fast paced narrative the author takes us on a whirlwind tour of African history from the dawn of man to the present.He gives us small snippets of African history, wonderful tales and illuminating anecdotes.From the Diamond trade to the Slave trade, the to formation of modern states, tribal infighting, the arrival of Europeans and the failed states of today this book is a rip roaring wonderful account of Africa.Beautiful portraits are given of African kingdoms and the colonial world as well as the independence movements, this books catches the culture and feelings of a continent.
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Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Africa - General    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. History / Africa   

Editorial Review

Velma Maia Thomas, the developer of the Read more

Reviews (18)

A Personal Interaction with History
I particularly enjoyed Ms. Thomas' use of the terms 'my people' and 'my ancestors'.I too am African-American.The book treats those enslaved as individual people rather than a mass to be studied.The photographs and documents in the book address the individual and group experience in slavery.The three dimensional maps, slave ship, and documents bring history to life.I recommend this book for every African-American family, particularly those with children still at home or for their grandchildren.

The next best thing to being there
Ms. Thomas should be commended for bringing to life the days of the lives of people who were condenmed for being Black.I was also amazed about the research she acquired -- especially the 3D mementos.So many people have heard about these articles, but without attending a museum, have never seen them.Many other people have also heard about them, but don't take them serious, especially if it did not alter their lives in any way.For those of us who do take that time in history seriously, thank you, Ms. Thomas, for showing us and bringing us closer to what our ancestors endured.

LEST WE FORGET!!!
This book gives dimensional insight to those not only wanting to read about the horrific history of slavery, but also, have pieces of history, that are tangible, to lift from the pages and look at. It is a good book to add to a collection of other books about a period in African American, and American history. Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - General    2. Africans    3. America    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    5. Exhibitions    6. History    7. History: American    8. Slave-trade    9. Slavery    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. United States - 19th Century    13. History / United States / 19th Century   

Reviews (1)

THE best guide on Tanzani, according to locals
That says it all. We attracted lots of attention by being the first to show up in Tanzania toting the new edition.The locals all agreed it was the most comprehensive & accurate guide available, & were really impressed by some of the things we knew from reading it. We had several offers to buy it when we left but wanted to keep it as a souvenir.
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Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Africa - East    3. East Africa - History    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Tanzania    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Africa   

Reviews (22)

When even the hyenas stopped laughing
Nega Mezlekia was unlucky enough to be born in Ethiopia in 1958, so that he was a teenager when Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown and murdered.A new regime, guaranteeing change for the poor, feudal rural masses, came to power.In the grim years that followed, Ethiopia ate its own children at a terrible rate.They died in civil wars, in political repression, and in an international war with Somalia.Later, at least in the cities, there was a period of terror in which 100 to 200 youths a day were being killed on the streets of Addis Ababa, with no trial, no accusations, nothing.Perhaps 100,000 people died in this time.Finally, a ghastly famine, seen on televisions around the world, claimed thousands more lives.From a generally innocent childhood, Mezlekia moved into a youth of horror after horror, barely escaping with his life time after time.Revolutionaries executed his father, Somali guerrillas killed his mother, his best friend died as a rebel; death crashed all around him for years.Somehow, Mezlekia survived to become a university lecturer in the provinces, then at last to go abroad to study, first in the Netherlands, then in Canada.He did not return.The story, related in this book, is a gripping one, well-told, with many touches of magical realism and tellings of Ethiopian folk tales to help readers understand the grim dreadfulness of those times.
Notes That Matter
This book is full of meaning, often insightful and completely unforgettable it is written with candor and wit despite its serious edges. !!! Alright !!!
I read "Notes From The Hyena's Belly" because my 7th grade English teacher assigned it to me personally. At first I honestly thought that it was going to be just a stupid autobiography, but it turned out to be excellent!!!Read more

Subjects:  1. 1958-    2. 1974-    3. Africa - East - Ethiopia    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Childhood Memoir    9. Childhood and youth    10. Ethiopia    11. Historical - General    12. History    13. Jijiga (Ethiopia)    14. Literary    15. Mezlekia, Nega,   

Reviews (6)

Excellent historic details without being boring
Fascinating history of both the country and the diamond business. Fast paced, interesting, makes you look at diamonds in a whole new light.

Does not live up to its title
This book's title describes it as one about "De Beers, Diamonds, and the World." Instead, a more accurate title would have described the book as telling of "Political Inequality Between the Races in South Africa." True, the book discusses De Beers quite a bit, but the discussions seem incidental to the author's focus on the plight of South African blacks throughout history. The description of De Beers's diversification is less than cursory; the book often omits major business decisions completely but then later assumes knowledge of them by the reader. For instance, the book leaves out any mention of *how* De Beers came to own an interest in copper mining, but still mentions such mining interest a couple of times toward the end. Further, complex business relationships, such as that between Anglo-American, Consolidated, and De Beers, need much more explanation than they get. The author spends considerably more time discussing how "Anglo-American" was chosen as the company's name than what its exact corporate form is and how it its relationship to De Beers works out in practice. Last, I take issue with the writing style itself. The prose is heavy and dry; even interesting characters' stories are flaccid and dull. Overall, this book is a good complement to other South African history books, but as a book about diamonds and the workings of De Beers (the book it puts itself out to be), "Last Empire" falls utterly flat.

One of the best in its field
Of the books I've recently read on the subject of diamonds, "The Last Empire" is without peer.It's more a history of the diamond fields during the early years than a study of the diamond industry as a whole, but it offers many captivating stories of those times and Kanfer's writing brings them alive.I won't use the usual "I couldn't put it down" cliche (it's a bit big to read at one sitting) but I couldn't wait to start reading it again.
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Subjects:  1. Africa - South - South Africa    2. Corporate & Business History - General    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. History / South Africa   

Reviews (16)

I relate to this book on so many levels....
I wasn't sure what I would find when I chose this book.But Dr. Ahmed's thoughts on creating her identity and the societal forces that crafted her upbringing are astounding.Her tale of defining herself as a woman, an Egyptian, an Arab, a Muslim, and an American resonated very deeply with me.....

An eye opening account of what it means to be a Muslim
I thought that this book was amazing.I've read many books about Islam but I think that this book actually gave me a sense of what it means to be a Muslim.Sometimes when reading about religions we often only get an overview of the practices and beliefs of a religion but we rarely hear from believers of a particular religion and how they incorporate the beliefs of their religion into their everyday lives.For me, it was also interesting to read about Egypt during the 40's and 50's because it was something I have never studied before.It was interesting to see the religious diversity in Eygpt and how quickly that all changed with the rise of Nasser.Another thing I had never realized that Egyptians practically had the title Arab forced upon them, but most would never otherwise identify themselves as Arab.I think this book really exposed me to a world and a lifestyle that I had never known existed, and I think this is a must read for anyone who is open to seeing a new perspective on their world.

A Border Passage
A Border Passage by Leila Ahmed is an interesting book and definitely worth your time. Within this book Ahmed confront issues of colonialism and differences between the Islam of women and that of men. The story is written as an autobiography as Ahmed recounts her childhood. The juxtaposition of the Egypt and England, where she goes to school, illuminates considerations of post-colonial loss of identity. A book that I strongly recommend for anyone interested in learning more about Islam. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Egypt    5. History    6. Islam - General    7. Middle East - General    8. Muslim women    9. Religious    10. Women    11. Women in Islam    12. Women's Studies - General    13. 20th century    14. Biography & Autobiography    15. Cultural studies    16. History / Modern / 20th Century    17. USA   

Editorial Review

Like many white South Africans of his generation, Rian Malan fled hiscountry to dodge the draft. He felt incredibly guilty for this act, but would have felt equally guilty for not doing it: "I ran because I wouldn't carry a gun for apartheid, and because I wouldn'tcarry a gun against it." Malan, the product of a well-known Afrikaner family, returned toSouth Africa and produced Read more

Reviews (43)

memoirs of an Africaaner-1970-1990
Before a recent visit to S. Africa, this book was recommended as an introduction to the political climate in S. Africa, especially after Apartheid.This very personal account told by Rian Malan, whose ancestors were directly responsible for the formation of the Apartheid society, traces his teenage rebellion against Apartheid, his career as a liberal newspaper reporter and his ultimate rejection of the violence that the new government has spawned. Be prepared for graphic descriptions of violence committed by both whites and blacks.
A Rare Look into the Afrikaner Mind...
I really enjoyed this book, although I do have some problems with it.First and foremost I will recommend it because I think it offers amazing insight into the psychology of Afrikaners and should be read-by any serious student of South African History.It is a valid historical document in that sense, because it is an honest and well-written, and sometimes deeply moving, biographical accountof a "liberal" Afrikaner who has to struggle with his progressive ideals and his residual prejudices.
Magnificent, brooding work
This book came out when I was working in South Africa. It explores in an uncompromising way two rival phenomena: the hopes of 'white liberalism' and some harsh realities of South Africa's 'African-ness' which many urban liberals at that point seemed to pretend either were not there or were somehow only a function of apartheid.
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Subjects:  1. Africa - South - South Africa    2. Apartheid    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Exiles    6. Genealogy    7. General    8. Historical - General    9. History    10. History: World    11. Huguenots    12. Political    13. South Africa    14. African history    15. Biography & Autobiography    16. History / South Africa    17. Racism & racial discrimination    18. Republic of South Africa