An African History of Africa From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence

Already a major international bestseller, Zeinab Badawi’s sweeping and much-needed survey of African history traces the continent’s extraordinary legacy from prehistory to the present from the African perspective.

“Equal parts gripping and galvanizing. . . . Researched across more than 30 countries, it brings the dazzling civilizations of pre-colonial Africa vividly to life. A book that feels both long-overdue—and wholly worth the wait.” —British Vogue

Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone.

For too long, Africa’s history has been dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, or simply ignored. Now, in this work of decolonized history, Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight.

In this fascinating nonfiction history book, Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history—from the very origins of our species, through ancient civilizations and medieval empires with remarkable queens and kings, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence. Visiting more than thirty African countries to interview countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, she unearths buried histories from across the continent and gives Africa its rightful place in our shared world history.

The result is a gripping new account of Africa: an epic, sweeping history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.

What happens when Africa’s history is finally told from an African perspective?

• Pre-Colonial Africa: Journey through the dazzling civilizations and remarkable medieval empires of a continent, based on research across more than thirty countries.
• Ancient Civilizations: Go beyond the Nile to discover the magnificent and often overlooked histories of the Kingdom of Kush, Aksum, and more.
• The Origins of Humankind: Explore our shared beginnings on the African continent and understand why this story is for everyone.
• An African Perspective: Experience the continent’s epic, sweeping history not as a Western narrative, but as a story told by African historians, archaeologists, and storytellers.