The African Awakening
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
This British historian and writer is a leading authority on African history, with particular expertise on Portuguese Africa before the 1974 Carnation Revolution. His works delve into the themes of colonialism, the emancipation movements of African peoples, and a critical assessment of the impact of modern nation-states on the continent. He emphasizes pre-colonial African achievements and the devastating effects of the transatlantic slave trade. His writings, valued for their deep insight and unbiased approach, are required reading in many British universities, establishing him as a globally recognized expert in African history.
No Fist Is Big Enough to Hide the Sky stands as a key text in the history of the eleven-year struggle against Portuguese rule in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. Though perhaps less well known than the struggles in Angola and Mozambique, the liberation war waged by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) easily ranks alongside those conflicts as an example of an African independence movement triumphing against overwhelming odds. Basil Davidson, a leading authority on Portuguese Africa who witnessed many of these events first hand, draws on his own extensive experience in the country as well as the PAIGC archives to provide a detailed and rigorous analysis of the conflict. The book also provides one of the earliest accounts of the assassination of the PAIGC's founder, Amilcar Cabral, and documents the movement's remarkable success in recovering from the death of its leader and in eventually attaining independence. Featuring a preface by Cape Verde's first president, Aristides Pereira, and a foreword by Cabral himself, No Fist is Big Enough to Hide the Sky remains an invaluable resource for the study both of the region and of African liberation struggles as a whole.
The book explores Africa's social and political history throughout the twentieth century, tracing its journey from the colonial era through liberation movements to independence and beyond. Basil Davidson provides a comprehensive overview of the continent's transformation, highlighting key events and developments that shaped modern Africa.
Exploring the life of Kwame Nkrumah, this work offers a profound and insightful perspective on the influential leader's experiences and contributions. Davidson delves into the historical context of Nkrumah's era, shedding light on his impact on African independence and politics. The narrative is enriched by thoughtful analysis, making it a significant resource for understanding Nkrumah's legacy and the broader themes of African identity and post-colonialism.
The book explores the rich history and diverse cultures of West Africa, emphasizing the region's significance in shaping global narratives. It delves into the impact of colonialism, the resilience of local communities, and the vibrant traditions that continue to thrive. Through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, it presents a nuanced understanding of West Africa's past and its ongoing influence in contemporary society, making it an essential read for those interested in African studies and history.
This Book Is Concerned With the story of Africa from antiquity to modern times, as told in the chronicles and records of chiefs and kings, travellers and merchant-adventures, poets and pirates and priests, soldiers and persons of learning. Framed and introduced as a continuous narrative based on what was thought and written at the time, African Civilization Revisited is designed to illustrate the drama and variety, challenge and achievement of humankind in Africa's long history. It is offered as a contribution to the fuller understanding of Africa today, as well as a guide to the Africa of yesterday and of long ago.
History of Africa tracing its inner growth and world wide significance that also includes recent changes in South Africa.
Basil Davidson's famous book -- now updated in a welcome Third Edition -- reviews the social and political history of Africa in the twentieth century. It takes the reader from the colonial era through the liberation movements to independence and beyond. It faces squarely the disappointments and breakdowns that have dulled the early successes of the post-colonial era; yet, for all the sorrows and uncertainties of Africa today, Basil Davidson shows how much has been achieved since decolonization, and the mood of his new final chapter is hopeful and buoyant.
In this lively and instructive memoir of his experience with the anti-Nazi underground in Italy and Yugoslavia during World War II, Basil Davidson throws needed light on a much-neglected part of European history. Sent to the area as a representative of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), he is able to recount at first hand the intense determination of the revolutionary partisans, who hoped that their sacrifices would lead to a new society, and the equally determined policy of the Allies to suppress them.