"Originally published in Great Britain by Hamish Hamilton Ltd, London, in 1997"--Page

Includes bibliographical references (pages 745-783) and index

A history of Africa, following the development of the continent from its earliest manifestations to the late twentieth century; identifying the physical processes which have determined the course of progress; and, where relevant, defining the ecological context in which those processes occurred

Founding factors: Building a continent -- Transitions -- Missing links -- Origins and climate -- Humanity emerging: Real world -- Footsteps -- Cutting edge -- In the mind's eye -- Cool systems -- Out of Africa -- African options: On home ground -- Word of mouth -- Ancestral economies -- Human potential -- Climate and culture -- Beginnings of agriculture -- Renewable resources -- Pastoral scene -- Impact of iron -- African civilizations: Nile -- Periplus of the Erythraean Sea -- Aksum -- Cities without citadels -- Disease and affliction -- Successful harvests -- Implications of trade -- Outposts and inroads -- Merrie Africa -- Bananas and cattle -- Cattle and gold -- Foreign influences: "I speak of Africa and golden joys" -- Portuguese initiatives -- In search of Prester John -- Harnessed to Europe -- Nothing else to sell -- The Atlantic slave trade -- African slave traders -- Africa transformed -- Aftermath -- Climatic context -- Settlers: Settlers -- Black and white frontiers -- Zulu myths and reality -- Afrikaners -- Diamonds and gold -- Scramble: Imperial ambition -- African king -- Drawing the line -- Resistance -- Rebellion -- Invention of Africa -- First dance of freedom: Emergent elite -- Spoils of war -- First dance of freedom -- Dreams and nightmares

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