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27th out of 327 books
—
93 voters
The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality
Now in its 30th printing, this classic presents historical, archaeological, and anthropological evidence to support the theory that ancient Egypt was a black civilization.
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
July 1st 1989
by Chicago Review Press
(first published 1974)
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The author argues that the ancient Egyptians (Anu) were Negroes. Their gods Osiris and Isis were depicted as black. A bas-relief from the 18th Dynasty (16th century BC) depicts the order of races known to the Egyptians: Egyptians, Nahasi (Blacks), Namou (Asian), and Tamhou (tattooed whites). The Egyptians and Nahasi were different shades of reddish-brown.
The leading Egyptologists of the 19th century argued against the Negro origin of Egyptians, and their theories of a white Egyptian race won ou...more
The leading Egyptologists of the 19th century argued against the Negro origin of Egyptians, and their theories of a white Egyptian race won ou...more
This highly technical and scholarly book is fast becoming a classic in the study of ancient African history.
The book is actually an English translation of large parts of two of Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop’s works in French: “Nations Negres et Culture” and “Anteriorite des Civilizations Negres”.
The late Mercer Cook (French Professor Emeritus, Howard University) did a marvelous job translating the complex historical facts, themes and ideas of one of the world’s greatest scholars.
Diop boldly states his p...more
The book is actually an English translation of large parts of two of Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop’s works in French: “Nations Negres et Culture” and “Anteriorite des Civilizations Negres”.
The late Mercer Cook (French Professor Emeritus, Howard University) did a marvelous job translating the complex historical facts, themes and ideas of one of the world’s greatest scholars.
Diop boldly states his p...more
Jan 25, 2013
A.T. Hicks
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
literature-of-the-highest-order,
life-changing
Where should I start?
This book reformed my way of thinking about Egyptians and their portrayal in Euro-centric history. In a nutshell: through supreme intellectual prowess, slyness and meticulous scientific research, he shot every lie about Egyptians being white to hell.
A must read.
http://www.saltygurl.com
This book reformed my way of thinking about Egyptians and their portrayal in Euro-centric history. In a nutshell: through supreme intellectual prowess, slyness and meticulous scientific research, he shot every lie about Egyptians being white to hell.
A must read.
http://www.saltygurl.com
Now in its 30th printing, this classic presents historical, archaeological, and anthropological evidence to support the theory that ancient Egypt was a black civilization.
Tremendous amount of information within these pages. Fascinating and illuminating discoveries. Worthy of 5 stars had Diop not been difficult to follow at times. His argument seemingly jumps from points without much connection or reference. If you're going to read this text, I'd highly recommend a dictionary and encyclopedic source remain handy, otherwise this could become a frustrating read rather quickly. If you're up for the challenge--and hopefully you will be because it's SO worth the effort...more
Very insightful not an easy read. You have to constantly think and check out the references, which makes it very insightful in my opinion.
An explosive book about the whitewashing of Egypt's black history. Incendiary and intelligent, Diop's findings remain controversial.
Sep 04, 2008
Tracey
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone of any race who is interested in Black Studies
Recommended to Tracey by:
Dr. Clovis Semmes
Shelves:
black-studies,
textbooks
this is one of the textbooks for an Intro to African American Studies class i'm taking. it's a little tough to read at times, but i think that's because i was overwhelmed at the amount of information Diop provided to counter claims made by historians. i'm looking forward to checking out some of the sources Diop cited in his arguments. there's so much history that we don't know...so much that has been denied, disrespected, and removed in relation to Africa. this book serves as a good foundation t...more
very afrocentric and at times there is a hint of exaggeration in its claims but still a useful book with some fascinating points
Feb 08, 2011
Kwame Fulani
added it
The origins of Man - Woman are disclosed in the brothers research in great detail...
Let's just say Elizabeth Taylor was not accurately cast as Cleopatra.
if there is a bible of african history this is genesis
Deep concepts, hidden facts, and very well researched!!
My Hannibal obsession continues...
Excellent! Excellent!
mark as to read
A somewhat misguided attempt to reverse colonialist denigration of sub-Saharan African capabilities. Egyptians have a wide range of variation, and range from Mediterranean to sub-Saharan African morphological characteristics. This doesn't mean all Egyptians were exclusively African in origin or that any modern people has a direct tie or claim to this ancient one.
great book, was very revelatory to me, started reading this book when i was 21 and it gave me a vast perspective on reading literature of all sorts. Sometimes it's interesting to go back and look at those book just to how much influence such reading has on you...
peace and light
ap
peace and light
ap
I found this book on the Metro in DC years ago. What a godsend. I've been reading Egyptian and African history since. Oh, and the verdict is yes. And don't give me any Liberal White Shame crap. I done did the research, bubba.
This is the history of the first African civilizations in Africa. This should be the starting point of any serious study of the history of African's in the Diaspora, including African-Americans.
A thought provoking book from one of Africa's foremost writers. Diop traces the link between between races and cultures and identifies the common thread (African) that links us all.
Wonderful it is to have an alternate, truer picture of African people. Tua Dr. Diop, Asante Sana, MOJUBA!
Truth is power!!!
May 22, 2013
Suckafree Tuck
marked it as to-read
May 21, 2013
Korin
marked it as to-read
May 21, 2013
Mr.imperial
marked it as to-read
May 20, 2013
Evan
marked it as to-read
May 20, 2013
Amani Goodluck
added it
May 20, 2013
Osman Bah
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Eljah 19
marked it as to-read
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Cheikh Anta Diop was an Afrocentric historian, anthropologist, physicist and politician who studied the human race's origins and pre-colonial African culture.
Diop's first work translated into English, The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, was published in 1974. It gained a much wider audience for his work. He proved that archaeological and anthropological evidence supported his view...more
More about Cheikh Anta Diop...
Diop's first work translated into English, The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, was published in 1974. It gained a much wider audience for his work. He proved that archaeological and anthropological evidence supported his view...more
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