The African Experience: From 'Lucy' to Mandela

De: Kenneth P. Vickery, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Kenneth P. Vickery

The story of Africa is the oldest and most event-filled chronicle of human activity on the planet. And in these 36 lectures, you'll explore this great historical drama, tracing the story of the Sub-Saharan region of the continent from the earliest evidence of human habitation to the latest challenges facing African nations in the 21st century.

By learning with these lectures, you'll finally be able to bust myths and correct potential misunderstandings about Africa. For example, in Africa, the word "tribe" is used in a neutral way to connote ethnic identity. Another example: Sub-Saharan Africa was not as isolated as is often suggested by references to the "lost" continent; in fact, an ancient Greek sailing guide from 2,000 years ago clearly shows that the East African coast was already connected commercially with areas to the north.

The primary focus of these eye-opening lectures is Sub-Saharan Africa, the region separated from North Africa by the harsh climate of the Sahara Desert and traditionally the part of the continent that has been the most mysterious and most misunderstood by Westerners. But by traveling on this exciting learning experience (one imbued with a pervasive spirit of charm and adventure), you'll finally be able to strengthen your understanding of this beautiful, multifaceted region.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses

Excellent source and introduction

Where does The African Experience: From 'Lucy' to Mandela rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rank it quite high. Well read. Enough information to give you the overview and suggested readings if you want to dig further. Nice, comprehensive overview.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It was nice to have time to think.

Perfect

I was looking for an overview of African history and the substance and delivery was perfect. Sad to not find any more Audibles done by the author.

A good overview of a huge topic

Enjoyable lecturer with a personable style covering a vast subject matter in a manner which retained my interest.

A journey into Africa

Wonderfully presented and rich in valid content. My only wish is that because modern political Africa is so young it would be nice to have an updated experience that ends in 2015 and not 2005. Thank you for presenting a course on my continent and please continue to do so.

I am an Afrikaner African living in South Africa and proudly South Africa...

You need to read this to understand Africa!

This is a comprehensive and very interesting read. I took it a bit at a time mostly to remember it,then to savor it. I had no idea of the scope of history or of life in Africa.
Africa, A huge continent of countries in a inhospitable region of the world eking out life, day by day, year by year, eon by eon. This is an absolute necessary read for everyone in order to understand our world today. Read it. You will be the better for it.

Entry Level

This course is definitely aimed at people with very little knowledge of Africa (like me). As such, it provides a pretty good overview of the continent through history, although it never goes into great detail. Listen for broad trends, not in-depth analysis

Great to listen to

Wonderful professor who truly loves Africa. He explains the geography and colonization very well. Wish it was longer.

A Great Overview of African History

Any additional comments?

I am a lover of history and this was a great find. Out of the handful of "great courses" I have listened to, this one is definitely the best. The professor is knowledgeable, articulate, insightful, and balanced in his perspectives. He covers most of the major aspects of african history from prehistory to the present and I did not feel disappointed in any regard. (Note that this book does only cover sub-saharan africa however and not the north african coast, except in reference). Definitely go for it if you are at all interested!

Very engaging professor telling engaging story that I wish was longer

I've listened to several of the great courses and this was above average. He gives you a good overview of what is going on in different parts of primarily sub-Saharan Africa through time. Like most Americans my knowledge of African history is lacking and this was a good synopsis. There was much more emphasis placed on Africa after circa 1500 than prior. Perhaps that is because there isn't nearly as much known about earlier time periods. To my recollection the professor didn't really discuss sources of pre-modern history so I don't know what sources are available. I have always wondered why sub-Saharan Africa was late to develop large cities and governments and I was disappointed that the professor didn't give his perspective. I will definitely listen to this lecture again in the future.

I learned so much

Thank you for making this available. I wish that more will be taught about Africa in history classes. I remember hearing things in the news, but this book presents the in depth history of how things came to be and why each side has their own perspective. Excellent delivery, I listened at bedtime like I was being told a bedtime story each night.