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Books > History > African history
This title provides privileged insight into the spiritual heart of
iBandla lamaNazaretha, or the Nazareth Church (currently estimated
to have over a million members) and its visionary leader, Isaiah
Shembe, the founder (in 1910). Shembe was an extraordinary man of
immense spiritual power, who gained Messiah/like status among his
followers. Prefaced by a message from the present leader of the
main branch of the Church, Bishop Vimbeni Shembe, and including an
enlightening introduction by Liz Gunner, this three part title
makes available in English and in isiZulu source material,
transcribed and translated from the original longhand books of the
Church archives held at Ekuphakameni. It offers in Isaiah Shembe's
own voice some of the founding tenets of the Nazareth Church and
records the moving testimony of Meshack Hadebe, a 1920's believer,
who relates how his family travelled from 'the land of Mashoeshoe'
to Ekuphakameni, the holy place 'in the land of Natal'. Their
journey in search of 'the Prophet of Jehovah' is inspired by the
appearance of an extraordinary star, similar to that which led the
Three Wise Men on their holy pilgrimage. Also included is some of
the beautiful sacred poetry which forms part of the Church's
enduring hymnal. The man of heaven is a unique treasure trove in
many respects, that will appeal not just to Shembe followers but to
all who have an interest in the complexities of African
Christianity. It is invaluable for the intimate access it offers
into a fascinating spiritual tradition, and for the voice it gives
to a grassroots community immensely powerful but seldom encountered
in African literatures.
Every time you try to say 'Africa is...' the words crumble and
break. From every generalisation you must exclude at least five
countries. And just as you think you've nailed down a certainty,
you find the opposite is also true. Africa is full of surprises.
For the past three decades, Richard Dowden has travelled this vast
and varied continent, listening, learning, and constantly
re-evaluating all he thinks he knows. Country by country, he has
sought out the local and the personal, the incidents, actions, and
characters to tell a story of modern sub-Saharan Africa - an area
affected by poverty, disease and war, but also a place of
breathtaking beauty, generosity and possibility. The result is a
landmark book, compelling, illuminating, and always surprising.
Updated for 2018, Africa remains one of the most comprehensive,
intelligent and responsive works on the continent ever written.
Equal parts freedom fighter and statesman, Nelson Mandela
bestrode the world stage for the past three decades, building a
legacy that places him in the pantheon of history's most exemplary
leaders.
As a foreign correspondent based in South Africa, author John
Carlin had unique access to Mandela during the post-apartheid years
when Mandela faced his most daunting obstacles and achieved his
greatest triumphs. Carlin witnessed history as Mandela was released
from prison after twenty-seven years and ultimately ascended to the
presidency of his strife-torn country.
Drawing on exclusive conversations with Mandela and countless
interviews with people who were close to him, Carlin has crafted an
account of a man who was neither saint nor superman. Mandela's
seismic political victories were won at the cost of much personal
unhappiness and disappointment.
Knowing Mandela offers an intimate understanding of one of the
most towering and remarkable figures of our age.
In 1880 the continent of Africa was largely unexplored by
Europeans. Less than thirty years later, only Liberia and Ethiopia
remained unconquered by them. The rest - 10 million square miles
with 110 million bewildered new subjects - had been carved up by
five European powers (and one extraordinary individual) in the name
of Commerce, Christianity, 'Civilization' and Conquest. The
Scramble for Africa is the first full-scale study of that
extraordinary episode in history.
A College Introduction to African-centered Theory: Selected
Readings in Africana Studies provides students with a compilation
of scholarly works on Africana studies, African-centered
theoretical models, and African-centered schools of thought. The
anthology is comprised of foundational readings used widely within
Africana studies and four new writings by scholars in the
discipline. Part I provides readers with an overview of the
origins, demands, and challenges surrounding the struggle to bring
about and sustain Africana studies in the American academy. The
readings in Part II introduce students to worldview, cosmology, and
epistemology as the foundational ideas for African-centered theory.
Parts III, IV, and V explore three African-centered schools of
thought: Association for the Study of Classical African
Civilizations, African-centered Psychology, and The Temple School
of Thought. The final reading shows how African-centered theory can
continue to address pressing needs of Africana people in the 21st
century and serve as a method for the liberation of political
prisoners and other incarcerated people. Throughout, section
introductions provide a brief historical, conceptual, and
biographical framework through which to view the readings. Terms,
concepts, and thinkers of importance are identified to help
students build an African-centered vocabulary and become familiar
with meaningful contributors to the discipline. The anthology
includes discussion questions to support student learning and
inspire lively discussion and thoughtful reflection. Engaging and
comprehensive, A College Introduction to African-centered Theory is
an excellent resource for undergraduate courses in Africana
studies.
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