Written by two senior scholars, A History of Africa introduces students to the history of the world's second largest continent. While it is not possible to discuss every event that ever happened in African history, the book comprises an historical narrative emphasizing key trends and processes illustrated by detailed examples. It represents a chronological and empirical history based on scholarly research and reconstructions of Africa's past. As a continental history, it seeks to cover all regions of Africa including North Africa, a region often seen as culturally and historically distinct. Furthermore, the narrative summarizes changing views and academic debates concerning aspects of African history. Richly illustrated with numerous maps and photographs, A History of Africa is the most comprehensive story of the place all humans call home.

A History of Africa is available in a combined print or eBook volume, or in split eBook volumes (Volume One: to 1880 and Volume Two: since 1870).

Toyin Falola is the Jacob and Francis Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin.

Toyin Falola's profile page

Timothy Stapleton's profile page

"A History of Africa is a great text in its inclusion and discussion of North Africa as part of mainstream African History; as well as its brilliant discussion of Central, Eastern, and Southern African History. Its inclusion of debates and various interpretations of African History is commendable." --Kwaku Nti, Georgia Southern University

"In this exciting survey of African history, Falola and Stapleton have succeeded in bringing Africa to life with a comparative methodology that weaves together the various themes that binds this continent." --Dawne Y. Curry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

"These volumes provide a rich overview of African history. Expansive in scope and rigorous in detail, they will be useful for students and researchers alike. Toyin Falola and Timothy Stapleton embarked on a massive undertaking and, with these volumes, deserve the commendation of their peers." --Christopher Tounsel, Pennsylvania State University

"Falola and Stapleton have put together a work of immense proportion for African history survey courses. I strongly recommend the text for instructors and students of African history." --Raphael Chijioke Njoku, Idaho State University