"An excellent introduction to Africa. It is not just a well-laid out narrative of what made the continent what it is today, it is a thought-provoking reflection on the arguments that swirl around the image of Africa today." Richard Dowden - Director of the Royal African Society "Informed, challenging and thought-provoking." Peter Woodward - Professor of Politics, University of Reading, and author of Sudan 1898-1989: The Un "Clear, well written and provocative. Be prepared to have your prejudices challenged." Ray Bush - Professor of African Studies and Development Politics, University of Leeds

Vast, diverse, dynamic, and turbulent, the true nature of Africa is often obscured by its poverty-stricken image. In this controversial and gripping guide, Tom Young cuts through the emotional hype to critically analyse the continent's political history and the factors behind its dismal economic performance. Maintaining that colonial influences are often overplayed, Young argues that much blame must lie with African governments themselves and that Western aid can often cause as much harm as good.

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"A very useful introduction…highly recommended."