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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 Anthropology Sociology Royalty Imperialism
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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)
Authoritative and compelling (Sathnam Sanghera)
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)
This is a book we have needed: a clear account of the fascinating history of Africa from an African perspective. I learned something on every page. It will leave everyone who reads it better informed and more thoughtful about the vast opportunity that can now be found in a continent we have often misunderstood (William Hague)
One of the greatest strengths of this wonderful African History of Africa and what makes it so engaging is the way Zeinab Badawi narrates the great sweep of this continent’s rich history as a personal voyage of discovery, and in doing so is able to portray her feelings of the experience, be it touching humanity’s most ancient bones or venturing into the dungeons of slave castles (Dr Kevin Shillington)

What listeners say about An African History of Africa

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Interesting history lessons

I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about African kingdoms of the past, and more of present day Africa.
A recommended listen.

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Good overview of African history

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,

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Required listening for anyone interested in Africa.

This is an excellent book which gives you an overview of the history of this vast continent. Of course it cannot go into detail with such a vast hinterland of history to explore. But what it does with clarity, compassion, and some humour, is to show without doubt that the continent has a long, rich, vibrant and sophisticated history.

It clearly shows that African history does not start with the arrival of the Europeans which so many of us have - and in some cases are still being taught. This for me, this is a book that should find a home on everyone’s physical or digital bookshelf.

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Engaging

An engaging listen and well written. There is an initially uncomfortable amount of colonial history and enslavement but it gets easier as you allow it sink in and, although it can be depressing and uncomfortable, it's also impressive and encouraging to hear about the heroism and pride of the African nations.

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insightful and interesting

learnt alot about africa that I have not come across in popular sources. I can relate with all that's been said being an African. Reminds me of General African Studies back in University

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The Narration of the title by the Author

I really enjoyed this book, it was informative, well researched and fascinating. At times it was like listening to someone narrates a novel. Beautifully read,engaging,enlightening, just a wonderful all round experience.

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Well researched, brilliantly complied and narrated

I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Africa’s history across the continent and to discover that the history are available and have survived the passage of time. A huge thank you and well done to Zeinab Badawi for these first steps from an African to discover and in the process honour Africa's past history. I think that I need a paper copy to discover a lot of the names as I am keen to delve further where possible. Probably a pdf of names in this history book can be an attachment please.

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It's here at last!

A must read / listen for anyone with interest in the African continent and its history.

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Comprehensive and ambitious

There is a lot of history to cover, and Zeinab attempted it . Well written and incredibly informative

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Spectacular opening of my ignorant mind ! And oh SO interesting

The history of Africa is SO interesting and until you read this book you will be as ignorant and biased as I was . Finally I have a perspective that puts Africa at least on a par with the rest of the world and hopefully now it has a positive future I was horrified to discover about the political interference from the rest of the world - east and west. I am intrigued now to visit some of the countries that until now I could hardly place on a map So much to explore. I think this book should be on school curricula everywhere. The author is the ideal narrator and probably makes it easier to follow than if you read it yourself The many local names would have had been slowing down whilst with her reading - the story gallops along THE MOST AMAZING BOOK I have read in a long while

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3 people found this helpful