THE AFRICAN REVOLUTION, a history of the long nineteenth century

410pp., maps, hardback, d.w.,  Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2025

ISBN: 9780691187099

A global history of Africa in the age of imperialism.

“Richard Reid weaves a rich tapestry that entwines local and global African histories, displacing the “the Scramble” as the defining moment of the continent’s long nineteenth century. Reid’s argument is anchored in his formidable and textured knowledge of East African history, but at the same time, he never loses sight of how this region’s revolutionary and often violent histories paralleled those occurring elsewhere on the continent and around the world. Reid’s intricate, lively book challenges readers to situate 'the Scramble' within the sweep of global history, rather than as the main determinant of Africa’s twentieth century.” Michelle Moyd, Michigan State University

“With masterly erudition, Reid argues that the creativity of African political and economic entrepreneurship before and during partition did much to shape the future, colonial and postcolonial. This highly original and partly provocative analysis, lucidly written, powerfully challenges the received notion of the European partition of Africa as a watershed in African history.” Gareth Austin, University of Cambridge

Richard Reid is Professor of African History at the University of Oxford and a fellow of St Cross College. His books include Shallow Graves: A memoir of the Ethiopia-Eritrea War, A History of Modern Uganda and Warfare in African History.