An African History of Africa : From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence

Author: Badawi, Zeinab

Africa

Published on 31 July 2025 by Ebury Publishing (W H Allen) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 544 pages
197 x 129 x 35 | 374g

Discover the ground-breaking, must-read history of Africa, the Sunday Times bestseller charting the epic story of the oldest inhabited continent in the world from the perspectives of Africans themselves. Shortlisted for the Nero Book AwardsPicked as a best paperback by the Sunday Times, Guardian and I paperRadio 4 Book of the WeekAs recommended on The Rest is PoliticsEveryone 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, award-winning journalist and broadcaster Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight. In this fascinating book, Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history – from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires, 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, Badawi weaves together a gripping new history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.

Praise for An African History of Africa:‘Fascinating, thought-provoking and entertaining’ Sunday Times‘Dazzling . . . A book that feels long-overdue’ Vogue‘Authoritative and compelling’ BBC History‘Both a tour d'horizon and a tour de force, marvellously readable and beautifully written . . . I cannot recommend it too strongly or praise it too highly’ Professor Sir David Cannadine‘Remarkable’ Margaret Busby CBE‘Epic, magnificent, brilliant’ Professor Kate Williams