Historical Dictionary of Ghana

David Owusu-Ansah is professor of history at James Madison University where he has taught for almost thirty years. He is the author of earlier editions of the Historical Dictionary of Ghana and his most recent publication, co-authored with Abdulai Iddrisu and Mark Sey, is Islamic Learning, the State and the Challenges of Education in Ghana (2013).

This fourth edition marks Owusu-Ansah's third contribution as the author of this dictionary in 19 years. The third edition was published in 2005, and the second, with Daniel McFarland, in 1995–constituting rapid-fire succession for this African series. Nearby Benin (Historical Dictionary of Benin, by M. Houngnikpo and S. Decalo, 4th ed., and Burkina Faso (Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso, by L. Rupley et al., 3rd ed., went 18 and 15 years between editions, respectively. The overall size of this new volume is not much larger than the last; however, nine years of events and personalities have been added, for a total of 900-plus entries. Additionally, some older entries were updated, reedited, or removed altogether. Overall, this work covers Ghana well, giving beginning researchers quick access to the main themes and issues surrounding the nation's past and present. . . .Libraries supporting extensive African studies collections should consider this new edition. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers.