"Northrup's highly accessible book breaks through the most common barriers that readers encounter in studying African history. Each chapter takes on a common myth about Africa and explains both the sources of the myth and the research that debunks it. These provocative chapters will promote lively discussions among readers while deepening their understanding of African and world history. The book is strengthened by its incorporation of actors and issues representing the African diaspora and African Americans in particular."—Rebecca Shumway, College of Charleston
David Northrup is Emeritus Professor of History, Boston College, and recipient of the 2017 World History Association's Pioneers in World History Award.
Contents:Series Editors' ForewordEditor’s PrefaceIntroductionNo History in Africa? Can the Oldest Humans Have the Shortest History?How Special Can Ethiopia Be?Encounters with Non-Africans: Good, Bad, or Complicated?The Atlantic Slave Trade: Stolen Bodies, Stolen Identities?Merrie Olde Africa: Change, Continuity, and IdentityIs Islam More Authentically African than Christianity?The Mythical Present: Africa Rising? Africa Failing?EpilogueSuggested Readings
"I never imagined that my Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest, first published in 2003, would prove to be so enduring a format for helping students of all kinds to rethink key moments in human history. It is therefore a great honor to see that the book has now inspired Hackett Publishing Company's "Myths of History" series, expertly and effectively edited by Alfred J. Andrea and Andrew Holt." —Matthew Restall, Pennsylvania State University