Madagascar, widely known as the "Great Island," is just off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, but in many ways it hardly resembles its mainland neighbors. Its flora and fauna are quite distinct, and the folkways and culture of its population are intriguingly different from that of the continental countries. This revised and expanded edition fills us in on the changes that have occurred over the past decade while still covering the long and intricate history of the country. It starts with the earliest settlers, continues through the period of French colonial rule, and then describes more intensively the period of independence, with all its aspirations, failures, and renewed hopes. This is done in a broad introduction, an extensive chronology, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, places, and events; ethnic groups and religions; and economic, social, and cultural aspects. Also included is a bibliography offering further reading.

About the Author
Philip M. Allen is Distinguished University Professor, Chair of Foreign Languages, and Coordinator of Liberal Studies at Frostburg State University, in the University of Maryland System. He is a former Foreign Service Officer in Madagascar and Germany. He is author of several books on the Indian Ocean, and has held three Senior Fulbright Lectureships, including one at the University of Antananarivo in 1999-2000. Maureen Covell is a professor of Political Science at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on local politics in Madagascar, a research undertaking that involved an extensive stay on the island. In particular, she lived for several months in Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa, and Toliara. Among her acquaintances at the time were several people who were subsequently active in the politics of the Second Republic. Dr. Covell is the author of Madagascar: Politics, Economics, and Society, and of articles on Malagasy local government and foreign policy.

Reviews
There are relatively few reference works on this country's history, so this sturdily bound book is essential for those special collections that focus on Africa or the Indian Ocean region. The item under review is also suitable for the reference collections of academic and large public libraries. * American Reference Books Annual *
...comprehensive, well-organized and nicely written... * International Journal of African Historical Studies, vol. 39 no. 3 (2006) *
A useful contribution...Up-to-date wide-ranging studies. * African Research and Documentation *
This resource for students, travelers, and general readers provides quick access to basic information on the country of Madagascar from its earliest settlements to the present day. Hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries cover significant people, places, and events, as well as various economic, social, and cultural topics. Supplemental materials include a chronology, maps, and descriptions of the major political parties active since independence. * Reference and Research Book News *



Book Information
ISBN 9780810846364
Author Philip M. Allen
Format Hardback
Page Count 504
Imprint Scarecrow Press
Publisher Scarecrow Press
Weight(grams) 676g
Dimensions(mm) 222mm * 146mm * 33mm