The Making of Contemporary Africa: The Development of African Society Since 1800

by Bill Freund

From a materialist perspective, 'The Making of Contemporary Africa' provides a stimulating reinterpretation of the complex events in sub-Saharan Africa since the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Genres: History, Africa, Nonfiction

357 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Madeline "Fisch" Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started this book for my Africa in the Global Economy course and finally finished it!

Though this book is majorly outdated (before apartheid's end), Freund gives a pretty comprehensive account of scholarly understanding of Africa in 1984. I still think it's a worthwhile read for a stronger historical background since lots of courses rarely go this in-depth. This is probably the most academic book I've ever completed. Definitely at the collegiate level because I had to look up so many words!

[Rock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came away convinced that this author is very knowledgeable about this era of African history, but unfortunately he doesn't seem to be very good at transferring that knowledge. He flits between topics like an excited kid at science camp, which especially given the complex mix of cultures in sub-Saharan Africa makes it hard for the novice to get the fundamentals. I was also surprised at his frequent use of unsupported statements, but I suppose this is sort of meant as a textbook, so we should just trust him and check the (extensive) bibliography right? I certainly sympathize with Freund's viewpoint and admire his command of the topic but as a primer this book is not very useful.

[Ajay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bill Freund strikes me as deeply knowledgeable in the economic history of Africa. Yet, rather than see the world from first principles, he starts out the gates with a politicized insistence that prevalent theories fail to explain modern Africa. In fact, much of the book is focused on attempting to overturn generalizations, myths, and misunderstandings of Africa. However admirable and worthwhile this undertaking, where Bill Freund is less satisfactory is his opposition to the dependency school of thought. Nearly every refutation he makes here is unsupported, and the narrative he tells speaks volumes of the truth even if he refuses to acknowledge it.

This book fundamentally expanded my understanding of African history, especially pertaining to South Africa. The book is strongest in enriching ones understanding the phenomenon of 19th century colonialism - it's mechanisms, rationales, and failings. I also found the history in it's pages to be a radically different perspective on the independence of Africa and post-independence period - the most critical example being it's POV on Patrice Lumumba and the Congo. However, in understanding modern Africa, the book is less helpful - perhaps as it was published in 1998 (and therefore lacks the context of the past 25 years).

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb introduction to African History. Unlike many histories of Africa, Freund understands and explains the economic history that underlies the story. Without that analysis, many African history books just seems to tell tales of chaos and woe about a continent that cannot be democratic or economically thriving. Freund tells a more sophisticated tale that is actually more understandable. With a clear understanding of economics and class formation, African history makes sense. His writing style is lucid and concise.

I lived in Africa after reading this book. I was amazed at how it helped me understand the culture, history, politics and economics I experienced daily. Where other American friends in Africa were bewildered by what they saw, Freund had given me the templates to decipher and understand the kaleidoscopic reality I was living in. Highly recommended.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a decent primer on modern African history, but it is perhaps too comprehensive and tries to cover too much territory. To describe similar events happening in 4-5 different African countries in the same paragraph creates confusion as to which political leader from which country the author is discussing. The book is strongest in discussing 19th century colonialism and less interesting in its depiction of post-WWII Africa.

The book does make me interested in reading more about particular events in various countries mentioned, notably South Africa and Rhodesia, as well as the Congo and Zaire. And I had forgotten about the country of Dahomey until I read this book.