UNESCO - GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA - 8 Volume Set

Volume I: Methodology and African Prehistory
Under the direction of J. Ki-Zerbo

Volume II: Ancient Civilizations of Africa
Under the direction of G. Mokhtar

Volume III: Africa from the Seventh to the Eleventh Century
Under the direction of M.M. El Fasi and I. Hrbek

Volume IV: Africa from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth Century
Under the direction of D.T. Niane

Volume V: Africa from the Sixteenth to the Eighteenth Century
Under the direction of B.A. Ogot

Volume VI: Africa in the Nineteenth Century until the 1880s
Under the direction of J.F.A. Ajayi

Volume VII: Africa under the Colonial Domination 1880-1935
Under the direction of A.A. Boahen

Volume VIII: Africa since 1935
Under the direction of A.A. Mazrui and C. Wondji

Special edition 2003

Firm soft covers. Mint condition. Donation sticker in front ("Donated by the Sisulu Family").

Shipping R70

In 1964, UNESCO launched the elaboration of the General History of Africa with a view to remedy the general ignorance on Africa’s history. The challenge consisted of reconstructing Africa’s history, freeing it from racial prejudices ensuing from slave trade and colonization, and promoting an African perspective.

UNESCO therefore called upon the then utmost African and non African experts. These experts’ work represented 35 years of cooperation between more than 230 historians and other specialists, and was overseen by an International Scientific Commission  which comprised two-thirds of Africans.

The result was the elaboration of the General History of Africa into 8 VOLUMES. This huge task, completed in 1999, had a great impact in Africa and, beyond, within the scientific and academic circles and is considered as a major contribution to the knowledge of Africa’s history and historiography.