In the Footsteps of Mr. Kurtz - Living on the Brink of Disaster in the Congo (Paperback, New Ed)

In the early 1970s, the Congo shone like a beacon of black pride at the very heart of Africa. Its leader, Mobutu Sese Seko began reshaping the country in the image of his forefathers (beginning with its name). After years of brutal colonialism and coups, Mobutu brought a semblance of stability to the country. The west, who knew a friendly tyrant when they saw one, backed him to the hilt, and to handed out cash. The story of Mobutu is not merely one of despotism, but of the wilful ignorance of Western powers and international moneylenders. It is they, says the author, who are ultimately responsible for leaving an entire country - one of Africa's largest and richest - drained of its wealth, and owing billions. The 'Heart of Darkness' comparisons Wrong is so keen to foster seem a bit laboured. In fact the book perpetuates as many myths as it dispels. A better comparison - one that Wrong herself makes in the closing pages - is with 'Animal Farm.' Mobutu has gone, she says, but Mobutism lives on, in the form of Laurent Kabila -'the creatures outside looked from pig to man and from man to pig...but already it was impossible to say which was which.' (Kirkus UK)

'A brilliant account of Africa’s most extraordinary dictator . . . This book will become a classic.' Economist

A sparkling account of the rise and fall of Mobutu Sese Seko, the charismatic dictator who plundered his country’s wealth and indulged a passion for pink champagne, gold jewellery and chartered Concordes. Absurdity, anarchy and corruption run riot in Michela Wrong’s fascinating dissection of the Congo; a story of grim comedy amidst the apocalypse and a celebration of the sheer indestructibility of the human spirit.

General

Imprint:	Fourth Estate
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	July 2001
Authors:	Michela Wrong
Dimensions:	197 x 129 x 21mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - B-format
Pages:	324
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-1-84115-422-0
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > African history > General Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political control & freedoms > General Books > Humanities > History > World history > From 1900 > Postwar, from 1945 Books > History > African history > General Books > History > World history > From 1900 > Postwar, from 1945
LSN:	1-84115-422-9
Barcode:	9781841154220

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