The Book in Africa

"This volume presents new research and critical debates in African book history, and brings together a range of disciplinary perspectives by leading scholars in the subject. It includes case studies from across Africa - from Ethiopia to Cameroon, from Morocco to South Africa - and from third-century manuscript traditions to twenty-first century internet communications. Throughout, it seeks to frame individual case studies in ways that resonate with critical debates in African book history throughout the continent. Studies of the book in Africa to date have been dominated by the histories of how European missionaries, colonial administrators and traders brought the book and literacy to Africa. In contrast, this volume places African book histories in their multiple forms at the centre of study; and the research, questions and debates driving each chapter are derived from African cultural, political and economic contexts"--