Description
This is the first published account of the role played by ideas of honour in African history from the fourteenth century to the present day. It argues that appreciation of these ideas is essential to an understanding of past and present African behaviour. Before European conquest, many African men cultivated heroic honour, others admired the civic virtues of the patriarchal householder, and women honoured one another for industry, endurance, and devotion to their families. These values both conflicted and blended with Islamic and Christian teachings. Colonial conquest fragmented heroic cultures, but inherited ideas of honour found new expression in regimental loyalty, respectability, professionalism, working-class masculinity, the changing gender relationships of the colonial order, and the nationalist movements which overthrew that order. Today, the same inherited notions obstruct democracy, inspire resistance to tyranny, and motivate the defence of dignity in the face of AIDS.
This is the first published account of the role of honour in African history.
About the Author
John Iliffe is Professor of African History at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of St John's College. He is the author of several book on Africa, including The African Poor: A History (Cambridge University Press, 1987) and Africans: The History of a Continent (Cambridge University Press, 1995). The African Poor was awarded the Herskovits Prize of the African Studies Association of the United States.
Reviews
'Iliffe himself concludes with the suggestion that, if his book serves to raise questions, 'it will have served its purpose', it has certainly done so for this reader.' Journal of African History
'This book is the culmination of decades of interest in how Africans understood their world, an interest first aroused by Iliffe's heretofore largely unpublished research into late 19th century Buganda. ... a supremely researched, richly illustrated, and incisively argued book.' The Round Table
'This book makes a powerful argument and raises important questions.' H-Africa
'Iliffe helps us see the politics of West African labour unions, Mau Mau detainees, and other entrepreneurs in a wider frame.' Historical Journal
'This is a monumental work, covering sub-Saharan Africa in its scope and revealing a depth of understanding and a width of reading and research which can be admired. ... John Iliffe's book is both landmark and a model.' Oliver Furley, Coventry University
Book Information
ISBN 9780521546850
Author John Iliffe
Format Paperback
Page Count 430
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 660g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 24mm
This is the first published account of the role of honour in African history.
About the Author
John Iliffe is Professor of African History at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of St John's College. He is the author of several book on Africa, including The African Poor: A History (Cambridge University Press, 1987) and Africans: The History of a Continent (Cambridge University Press, 1995). The African Poor was awarded the Herskovits Prize of the African Studies Association of the United States.
Reviews
'Iliffe himself concludes with the suggestion that, if his book serves to raise questions, 'it will have served its purpose', it has certainly done so for this reader.' Journal of African History
'This book is the culmination of decades of interest in how Africans understood their world, an interest first aroused by Iliffe's heretofore largely unpublished research into late 19th century Buganda. ... a supremely researched, richly illustrated, and incisively argued book.' The Round Table
'This book makes a powerful argument and raises important questions.' H-Africa
'Iliffe helps us see the politics of West African labour unions, Mau Mau detainees, and other entrepreneurs in a wider frame.' Historical Journal
'This is a monumental work, covering sub-Saharan Africa in its scope and revealing a depth of understanding and a width of reading and research which can be admired. ... John Iliffe's book is both landmark and a model.' Oliver Furley, Coventry University
Book Information
ISBN 9780521546850
Author John Iliffe
Format Paperback
Page Count 430
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 660g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 24mm
