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An African History of Africa

For Adults

Chosen as a book to look out for in 2024 by the Guardian and the Rest is Politics

WH Allen is excited to offer reading groups 10 proofs of An African History of Africa by award-winning journalist, , broadcaster and film-maker, Zeinab Badawi.

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, Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight.

In this fascinating book, Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history – from the very origins of our species, through ancient civilisations 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 global story.

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.


Both a tour d’horizon and a tour de force, marvellously readable and beautifully written.

Professor Sir David Cannadine


If you’re interested, please contact Molly Maynard at mmaynard@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk by 4 March, but they may be snapped up before this!

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