Reviews

This three-volume encyclopedia is arranged chronologically, dividing the history of this vast and fascinating continent into three major periods. Volume 1, "Ancient Africa," covers prehistoric times to 500 C.E., with entries on human origins; the Sahara desert; the history and culture of the Egyptian, Nubian, Bantu, and San peoples; archaeology; and religion. Legends and myths about certain events are also included here. Volume 2, "African Kingdoms," examines medieval times, from 500 to 1500 C.E. a period marked by grandeur and includes the great Bantu Migration, the development of centralized states and kingdoms, the spread of Islam, and the development of trade routes with the outside world. Volume 3, "From Conquest to Colonization," covers 1500 to 1850 C.E., a turbulent time that saw the rise and decline of kingdoms and empires, civil wars, the transatlantic slave trade, and the beginnings of European exploration and colonization. Some entries are cross-referenced and also include valuable suggestions for further reading; time lines, maps, a glossary, a cumulative index, and many appendixes enhance this work. In addition, many common spelling variants are given within the text, all of which are listed and cross-referenced in the index. Finally, each volume includes both a list of images and a cumulative list of entries arranged alphabetically. While the entries are unsigned and much of the coverage is duplicated in other reference sources, this three-volume encyclopedia is valuable as a time-saving reference tool for its accessible prose and easy-to-use format. Recommended for public, high school, and college libraries. Edward McCormack, Univ. of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Lib., Long Beach Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Gr 9 Up-This well-researched resource will enhance and support the study of this vast continent. Three chronological volumes cover up to the 19th century. Books are arranged alphabetically with entries ranging from one paragraph to two pages in length. They discuss locations, countries, individuals, peoples, concepts, events, plants, and animals, and include many cultural references. Articles for certain topics can be found in each volume. For example, there are separate entries of varying length in all three volumes for "Guinea" and "Hutu." Sidebars add important detail and much information on legends, myth, and folklore. There are cross-references to entries within the same book and see-also references to other volumes, and some of the articles conclude with a list for further reading. Each book begins with a list of entries for the set and some of the same maps. However, they have different introductions and time lines that reflect the periods they cover. Good-quality, black-and-white photographs, reproductions, and maps are scattered throughout. While some might initially find the arrangement of this wide-ranging, useful set a bit confusing, it will serve both teachers and students as they begin their investigations of African history.-Janet Woodward, Garfield High School, Seattle, WA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.