Description
Book Synopsis: By the time the “Scramble for Africa” among European colonial powers began in the late nineteenth century, Africa had already been globally connected for centuries. Its gold had fueled the economies of Europe and the Islamic world for nearly a millennium, and the sophisticated kingdoms spanning its west coast had traded with Europeans since the fifteenth century. Until at least 1650, this was a trade of equals, using a variety of currencies—most importantly, cowrie shells imported from the Maldives and nzimbu shells imported from Brazil. But, as the slave trade grew, African kingdoms began to lose prominence in the growing global economy. We have been living with the effects of this shift ever since. With A Fistful of Shells, Toby Green transforms our view of West and West-Central Africa by reconstructing the world of these kingdoms, which revolved around trade, diplomacy, complex religious beliefs, and the production of art. Green shows how the slave trade led to economic disparities that caused African kingdoms to lose relative political and economic power. The concentration of money in the hands of Atlantic elites in and outside these kingdoms brought about a revolutionary nineteenth century in Africa, parallel to the upheavals then taking place in Europe and America. Yet political fragmentation following the fall of African aristocracies produced radically different results as European colonization took hold.
Drawing not just on written histories, but on archival research in nine countries, art, oral history, archaeology, and letters, Green lays bare the transformations that have shaped world politics and the global economy since the fifteenth century and paints a new and masterful portrait of West Africa, past and present.
Details
Step back in time and uncover the rich history of West Africa with A Fistful of Shells. Toby Green's meticulously researched book delves deep into the interconnected world of African kingdoms, trade routes, and cultural exchanges that shaped the global economy for centuries. Discover how cowrie shells and nzimbu shells played a crucial role in international trading, and how the slave trade altered the economic landscape of the region. This fascinating narrative will challenge your perspective and provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power and wealth in West Africa.
Experience a gripping tale of diplomacy, artistry, and religious beliefs as you immerse yourself in the world of West and West-Central Africa. Learn about the profound impact of economic disparities caused by the slave trade, which reshaped political and economic structures in ways that reverberate to this day. Toby Green's remarkable storytelling will transport you to a time of radical transformation and revolutionary change, as African kingdoms grappled with the challenges of European colonization and shifting power dynamics. This is a narrative that will redefine your understanding of history and its enduring legacy.
Engage with a nuanced portrait of Africa's past and present through a multidisciplinary approach that blends historical research, archaeology, art, and oral history. Toby Green's comprehensive analysis draws from a wealth of sources, providing a fresh perspective on the complex forces that have influenced world politics and the global economy since the fifteenth century. Gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and innovation of African societies as you explore the impact of political fragmentation and colonialism on the region. A Fistful of Shells is a must-read for anyone seeking to unravel the intricate tapestry of West African history.
Ready to embark on an enlightening journey through the annals of West Africa's past? Dive into the pages of A Fistful of Shells and uncover the untold stories of kingdoms, trade networks, and cultural exchanges that shaped the course of history. Allow Toby Green's compelling narrative to guide you through centuries of transformation and adaptation, revealing the enduring legacy of African civilizations and their enduring impact on the modern world. Don't miss out on this captivating exploration of West Africa's past and present – order your copy today!
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