This fourth edition of this best-selling core history textbook offers a richly illustrated, single volume, narrative introduction to African history, from a hugely respected authority in the field. The market-leading range of illustrated material from prior editions is now further improved, featuring not only additional and redrawn maps and a refreshed selection of photographs, but the addition of full colour to make these even more instructive, evocative and attractive. Already hugely popular on introductory African History courses, the book has been widely praised for its engaging and readable style, and is unrivalled in scope, both geographically and chronologically – while many competitors limit themselves to certain regions or eras, Shillington chronicles the entire continent, from prehistory right up to the present day. For this new edition, both content and layout have been thoroughly refreshed and restructured to make this wealth of material easily navigable, and even more appealing to students unfamiliar with the subject. “History of Africa remains the best introductory textbook on the market. This comprehensive and engaging overview of African history takes the reader on a fascinating journey from human origins to the present.” ― Professor Alicia Decker, Pennsylvania State University, USA “One of the most comprehensive and incisive treatments of African history. Lucid and coherent, it conveys the complexities and diversity of the African historical experience. Students, scholars and general readers will find this narrative engaging and compelling.” ― Dr Bonny Ibhawoh, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada “A clear, readable narrative of the entire span of the continent's history, augmented by the best maps and illustrations of any textbook.” ― Professor Lisa A. Lindsay, University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill, USA “Shillington's History of Africa remains as relevant as ever. Starting with the origins of humankind and authoritatively guiding readers to the present day, this is a superb account of a vast story, tenaciously placing Africa's peoples at its centre.” ― Dr Wayne Dooling, SOAS, University of London, UK “The standard textbook on the subject. Readable and comprehensive, the latest edition has numerous colour photos, and has been thoroughly updated.” ― Professor Hakim Adi, University of Chichester, UK “The best edition of Shillington yet.” ― Professor Paul Landau, University of Maryland at College Park, USA History of Africa remains the best introductory textbook on the market. This comprehensive and engaging overview of African history takes the reader on a fascinating journey from human origins to the present. – Professor Alicia Decker, Pennsylvania State University, USA One of the most comprehensive and incisive treatments of African history. Lucid and coherent, it conveys the complexities and diversity of the African historical experience. Students, scholars and general readers will find this narrative engaging and compelling. – Dr Bonny Ibhawoh, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada A clear, readable narrative of the entire span of the continent's history, augmented by the best maps and illustrations of any textbook. – Professor Lisa A. Lindsay, University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill, USA Shillington's History of Africa remains as relevant as ever. Starting with the origins of humankind and authoritatively guiding readers to the present day, this is a superb account of a vast story, tenaciously placing Africa's peoples at its centre. – Dr Wayne Dooling, SOAS, University of London, UK The standard textbook on the subject. Readable and comprehensive, the latest edition has numerous colour photos, and has been thoroughly updated. – Professor Hakim Adi, University of Chichester, UK The best edition of Shillington yet. – Professor Paul Landau, University of Maryland at College Park, USA The story of humanity in Africa goes back at least 200,000 years, further than anywhere else on Earth. This compelling tale of Africa’s journey is vital to understanding the complex opportunities, challenges and legacies that continue to shape Africa – and its place in the world – today. History of Africa offers a richly illustrated narrative introduction to the whole scope of this vast and evolving history. Now in its fourth edition, this much-loved text from a leading authority has been thoroughly updated and refreshed to be even more student-friendly. Above all, History of Africa is unrivalled in the picture it paints: the history of the entire continent, from prehistory to the present, within a single volume. The easy-to-follow chronological structure and accessible style are enhanced by more than 200 colour maps and photographs to guide and enrich your learning journey. Key features include: A wealth of new and improved maps and illustrations – now for the first time in full colour for extra clarity and impact. - The clear style, accessible language, and easy to follow