Product Description

In 1880 the continent of Africa was largely unexplored by Europeans. Less than thirty years later, only Liberia and Ethiopia remained unconquered by them. The rest - 10 million square miles with 110 million bewildered new subjects - had been carved up by five European powers (and one extraordinary individual) in the name of Commerce, Christianity, 'Civilization' and Conquest. The Scramble for Africa is the first full-scale study of that extraordinary episode in history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8504 in Books
• Published on: 1992-11-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 800 pages

Review
'Magnificent, vigorous, comprehensive, compulsive reading' DAILY TELEGRAPH *'Memorable history on a grand scale . . . brilliant . . . thrilling, fast moving, imaginative, coherent' INDEPENDENT *' A phenomenal achievement . . . clear, authoritative and compelling' William Boyd, DAILY TELEGRAPH *'Grim as well as gripping reading . . . Pakenham writes racily and humorously . . . a magnificent, swash buckling, blood-bolstered epic' OBSERVER

From the Publisher
“…magnificent, swashbuckling, blood-bolstered epic…” Observer “vast, scholarly and delightful” Spectator.

About the Author
Thomas Pakenham is the author of THE MOUNTAINS OF RASSELAS, THE YEAR OF LIBERTY and THE BOER WAR. He divides his time between a terraced house I nnNorth Kensington, London and a crumbling castle in Ireland. He is married to the writer Valerie Pakenham and they have four children.

Customer Reviews

Compelling read for all students of African history.
A thoroughly researched, and whatsmore, an interestingly written and comprehensive history of Africa during the colonial period. As a European I was fascinated, and sometimes repelled by the political intrigues of Europeans in African affairs. Once started it is difficult to put down and helps to put this period of world history in a truer perspective.

A work of genius - buy it now!
If you are hesitating in buying this book - don't. BUY IT NOW. It is a true labour of love written (if I recall correctly)after 10 years of research. It is extremely well-written and one of the best historical accounts I have ever read. Despite covering a relatively long period of time and an enormous geographical area (not just Africa but the politics of Europe) the author manages to bring it all together elegantly and accessibly. Time spent reading this book is a real pleasure.

An enlightening read
This is a beautifully written work that provides a fascinating insight into the continent's history, underdevelopment and civil strife. Devoid of sentimentality and full of objectivity, the author conveys the deep message, which explains not only the resilience of the continent but also the ravages that it has been subjected to throughout its turbulent history. Behind the tragedies of the continent are the heavy hands of the ex-colonial masters and the exploitative drives of some business concerns working in partnership with African dictators, psychopaths and administrative kleptomaniacs that have power and are excluding the people in the running of the land. With more piteous prospects than any other continent, Africa mirrors the failures of humanity as well as its hopes and reams.
Other titles that treat this African malaise are DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE , AFRICA UNCHAINED, THE SCHACKLED CONTINENT, TRIPLE AGENT DOUBLE CROSS. Together these titles exposed the personal and collective problems of the people and the personal and collective efforts made, and the means and ways to take the Africa forward despite all the constrains.