Born in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War

In his book "Born in Blackness," Howard W. French retells the story of medieval and emerging Africa, demonstrating how the economic ascendancy of Europe, the anchoring of democracy in America, and the fulfillment of Enlightenment ideals grew out of Europe's dehumanizing engagement with the "darkest" continent. He restores the lives of major African historical figures, revealing the story of gold, tobacco, sugar, and cotton, and the millions of people brought in chains from Africa to the New World.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2021
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

In a captivating narrative that spans 600 years, Howard W. French weaves a rich tapestry of historical detail and poignant personal anecdotes, illuminating the intricate connections between medieval and emerging Africa. Through his masterful storytelling, he demonstrates how the economic ascendancy of Europe, the establishment of democracy in America, and the realization of so-called Enlightenment ideals all emerged from Europe's dehumanizing engagement with the "darkest" continent.

Born in Blackness: A Reclamation of African Historical Figures takes readers on a remarkable journey, resurrecting the lives of significant African historical figures whose stories have been obscured and erased over centuries. From the mighty medieval African emperors who traded with Asia to the courageous Kongo sovereigns who valiantly resisted seventeenth-century European powers, to the ex-slaves who liberated Haitians from bondage, French unveils the untold tales of these remarkable individuals.

In his captivating narrative, French explores the profound impact of gold, tobacco, sugar, and cotton, as well as the most significant commodity of all—the millions of people who were brought in chains from Africa to the New World. These reclaimed histories provide a vital lens through which to understand our present world, shedding light on the complex web of interconnections and legacies that have shaped our global landscape.

Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Howard W. French offers a fresh perspective on the history of Africa, challenging prevailing narratives and illuminating the rich tapestry of its past. Born in Blackness is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of recognizing the contributions of marginalized voices to our collective understanding of history.

Weight: 882g
Dimension: 167 x 244 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781631495823