Inventing Africa

Reviews

Engrossing and though-provoking …an exposition of the myths that have grown around African narratives … The breadth and depth of information in this short book is remarkable. In sum, a book that is important, for Africanists of course, but also for understanding the manipulation of archaeological and historical data in general. Antiquity

In this engaging study, Robin Derricourt tackles multiple interwoven and yet often contradictory narratives about Africa’s past. He situates the origins of each, unwrapping intellectual trends and prejudices, and the events and principals involved in their creation and dissemination. In so doing, he critiques and complicates these narratives in broad context and in a no-nonsense voice … Derricourt’s eclectic presentation provides much to consider. International Journal of African Historical Studies

This is one of the most readable books on African archaeology that has ever appeared. … We need more books like this that are historiographical. …The comprehensive and up to date references are an outstanding feature. Journal of African Archaeology
Concisely written in a very readable style … Ideally suited for teachers of African studies across a range of disciplines as well as the general public. Specialists and students will appreciate the historiographical and biographical contents. I imagine it will become a mainstay of college course syllabi rather quickly. African Arts

In this short, but lively and well-written book, the historian and archaeologist Robin Derricourt analyses changing perceptions of the ‘biography’ of the African continent over the last 5,000 or so years. Attempting to do for Africa what Edward Said did for the ‘Orient’ in his landmark publication Orientalism, Derricourt presents a far more personal and accessible catalogue of heroes (and occasional rogues) who have helped bring African history and archaeology to western audiences. … this is a valuable addition to current African historical and archaeological literature, drawing upon a wide range of sources and methodologies and always entertaining and thought-provoking. Antiquaries Journal

Derricourt (Univ. of New South Wales, Australia) looks at Africa’s past in terms of the grand theories and micro and macro myths embedded in narratives about the continent over time. With its sober reflection on some of the old discredited shibboleths, this text is useful for metahistory and the history of ideas about the continent. Directly and indirectly, Derricourt provides a fascinating study of the impact of racism on intellectual activity … Summing Up: Recommended. Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries

Derricourt explores the use and misuse of Africa’s past, everything from Basil Davidson and Raymond Dart to Afro-centrism and beyond, in an articulate and intelligent analysis that places generations of research and thinking in a broader context. Inventing Africa is certain to become a definitive and widely consulted work for anyone seriously interested in Africa’s past. Brian Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara

Robin Derricourt has written a lively and engaging book that addresses a largely overlooked issue, how have Western appreciations and conceptualisations of the African continent changed through time. With the African past still comparatively little known, or known to Western audiences, this timely work makes a significant contribution to the history of southern and south-central Africa. Peter Mitchell, Professor of African Archaeology, University of Oxford