The best 10 African History books

The Rift (2015) is a revealing look at Africa’s emergence as a continent no longer defined by poverty, war, corruption and dependence on the West. Find out how modern farming methods, solar and mobile technologies and new leadership are creating a brighter future for Africa.

• Investors looking for new opportunities in Africa
• Those dubious of the idea that Africa is only about war and famine

To Stop a Warlord (2019) is an inspiring account of a remarkable mission: the quest to bring to justice one of the world’s most notorious war criminals – Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army. Packed with insights into Africa’s longest-running conflict, this account tells how Shannon Sedgwick Davis helped assemble an unlikely alliance between philanthropists, the Ugandan military and a South African mercenary to take on Kony’s army across four countries. While that coalition might not have achieved its primary objective of bringing Kony to justice, it did help tip the balance in favor of peace.

• Campaigners, activists and human-rights advocates
• Politics buffs fascinated by Central Africa’s past and present
• Anyone interested in conflict resolution

A History of Nigeria (2008) documents the millennia-long history of the areas that make up the modern nation of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Going on an epic journey from the region’s precolonial past right up to the country’s recent transition toward democracy, the authors document the riveting history of a nation and, of course, its people – whose future looks bright.

• Students of history, international relations or politics
• Curious individuals wanting to discover the riveting story of Africa’s most populous nation
• Nigerians – or people of Nigerian descent – who would like to learn more about the country’s history

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Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom (1994) is one of the most famous autobiographies of recent times. It tells the story of his life, from his humble beginnings in the South African countryside to his work as an iconic anti-apartheid freedom fighter, and ends, after chronicling his twenty-year prison sentence, with his final victory and release.

• People interested in Nelson Mandela
• Anyone curious about South African history
• Proponents of social justice

River of the Gods (2022) follows two audacious individuals as they search for the source of the world’s longest river. At the time, this was a question of mythical proportions, and one which would consume and break the men sent to answer it.

• History buffs
• Travel lovers
• Anyone who grew up with navigation apps on their smartphone

The Making of Modern South Africa (2012) traces the history of South Africa from the colonial conquests of the eighteenth century to the birth of an inclusive democracy in 1994. Along the way, it unpacks how struggles over land, natural resources, and belonging shaped the country’s development. 

• Historians 
• Politics buffs
• Anyone interested in race and equality

The Wretched of the Earth (2021) is a seminal work examining the psychological effects of colonialism and advocating for revolutionary struggle against racist and colonial oppression. It has profoundly influenced civil rights, anti-colonial, Black consciousness, and psychiatric reform movements globally since its publication in 1961.

• Activists and organizers
• Students and scholars
• People who care about justice

This book is a memoir that tells the harrowing story of three young boys who were forced to flee their homes in war-torn Sudan. They endure unimaginable hardships as they make their way to safety, facing starvation, disease, and violence along the way. It is a powerful account of resilience and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

• Individuals interested in personal stories of resilience and survival
• History enthusiasts looking to learn about the Sudanese civil war
• Readers who enjoy narratives about overcoming adversity and finding hope in difficult circumstances

This book tells the incredible true story of John Bul Dau and other Lost Boys of Sudan who fled their war-torn country and embarked on a perilous journey to find safety and a better life. It offers a firsthand account of their resilience, determination, and the challenges they faced as they sought refuge in the United States. It is a powerful and inspiring tale of survival and the strength of the human spirit.

• Those who are interested in the experiences and resilience of Sudanese refugees
• Readers who want to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of being a displaced person
• Individuals who enjoy memoirs that offer a unique perspective on war, survival, and hope

The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings by John Haywood provides a comprehensive overview of the Viking Age. Through detailed maps, illustrations, and insightful commentary, the book explores the expansion of the Viking people, their raids and conquests, as well as their cultural and economic activities. It offers a fascinating glimpse into one of history's most intriguing civilizations.

• Readers who are interested in the history and culture of the Viking Age

• Students and academics studying Norse history or archaeology

• Travelers planning a trip to Viking historical sites in Scandinavia or beyond