An impressive and readable biography of the continent, describing its prehistory, geology and the emergence of humans and early societies. The author also discusses the impact of trade and foreign influences especially the demand for ivory and slaves. Several sections are also devoted to the coming of settlers, colonialism and the eventual creation of independent states. Index, bib, notes, maps, xii, 803pp, UK. PENGUIN.

1998 1997 0140266755 Paperback

A collection of 34 stories by Africa's most innovative writers. Foreworded by Chinua Achebe. 375pp, UK. ANCHOR BOOKS.

2002 1994 0385722400 Paperback

Now in paperback. Citically acclaimed journalist and writer Michela Wrong describes the recent history of Eritrea as contested territory among western nations _ Italy, Britain, the USA and Russia all used the country. Part_travelogue, part biography of a country, this is a riveting account of colonialism and its effects on present-day Eritrea. New edition includes an interview with the author and a list of her top ten favourite African books. Index, notes, glossary, chronology, b/w photographs, maps, xiii, 432pp, UK. HARPER PERENNIAL. 2005 0007150954 Paperback

A century after Joseph Conrad's apocalyptic 'Heart of Darkness' the author revisits the Congo as the era of Mobutu Sese Seko collapses into absurdity, anarchy and corruption. Gloss, bib, index, x, 324pp, UK. FOURTH ESTATE.

2001 2000 1841154229 Paperback

Fifteen year old Kambili's world is circumscribed by the high walls of her family compound in Nigeria. When she is sent to her aunt's house, as the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, she discovers love and life beyond the confines of her father's authority. Her new freedom also uncovers a terrible secret at the heart of her family life. 307pp, UK. HARPER PERENNIAL.

2008 2005 2004 9780007268382 Paperback

Now in paperback, the widely acclaimed account of the author's extensive travels in Africa over a 40 year period beginning with Ghana's independence. 'I avoided official routes, palaces, im-portant personages, and big politics ... I preferred to hitch rides on passing trucks, wander with nomads through the desert, be the guest of peasants from the tropical savannah ... This is therefore not a book about Africa, but rather about some people from there; about encounters with them and time spent together.' 325pp, UK. PENGUIN.

2002 1998 0140292624 Paperback

Now in paperback. African bad-news stories massively outweigh the good. Ever since the process of decolonisation began in the mid-1950s, and arguably before, the continent has appeared to be stuck in a process of irreversible decline. Constant war, improper use of natural resources and misappropriation of revenues and aid monies contribute to an impression of a continent beyond hope. What is to be done? Weaving together the key stories and characters of the last fifty years into a compelling and controversial narrative, Martin Meredith has produced a comprehensive history of how European ideas of how to organise 10,000 different ethnic groups has led to the current continental malaise. Maps, Index, bib, notes, 768pp, UK. FREE PRESS.

2006 2005 0743232224 Paperback

A series of accounts of life in Rwanda from the history of the country and the roots of the genocide to family life. A compelling work of journalism. Winner of the Guardian First Book Award. Map, 356pp, UK. PICADOR.

1998 0330371215 Paperback

New in paperback. In exile for more than twenty years, Ngugi wa Thiong'o has become one of the most widely read African writers of our time, the power and scope of his work garnering him international attention and praise. His aim in Wizard of the Crow is, in his own words, nothing less than 'to sum up Africa of the twentieth century in the context of 2,000 years of world history.' Commencing in 'our times' and set in the 'Free Republic of Aburiria', the novel drama-tises with corrosive humour and keenness of observation a battle for control of the souls of the Aburirian people. Fashioning the stories of the powerful and the ordinary into a dazzling mosaic, informed by richly enigmatic traditional African storytelling, Ngugi reveals humanity in all its ceaselessly surprising complexity. 784pp, UK. VINTAGE.

2007 2006 0099502685 Paperback

Now available in paperback. The author weaves together his family history, his childhood in Africa and his account of the continent's wars, which he witnessed as a journalist during the 1990s. New paperback edition includes profile of the author, short essays about the book and suggestions for further reading. Illustrated with b/w images. 448pp, UK. HARPER Perennial.

2004 2003 0006531210 Paperback