Charlatans, Spirits and Rebels in Africa: The Stephen Ellis Reader

Stephen Ellis, a renowned African Studies scholar, has published a collection of his writings that explore the roles of religion, criminality, and violence in African society and politics. The volume spans three decades of scholarship, includes case studies from six countries, and is intended for both academic and public audiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

When Stephen Ellis passed away in July 2015, African Studies suffered a significant loss, as the scholar left behind a remarkable and influential legacy. Given the immense scope and uniqueness of his contributions, it may come as a surprise that a comprehensive collection of his writings did not emerge during his lifetime. However, the wait is over, and we are now privileged to present such a remarkable volume to the public. This collection, curated with an introduction by Tim Kelsall and an afterword by Jean-Francois Bayart, serves as an invaluable introduction to the central themes that permeated Ellis' work. These themes revolved around the intricate interplay of religion, criminality, and violence in African society and politics, which also informed his interpretation of African rebellions and resistance movements. Spanning over three decades of scholarship, this volume encompasses a diverse range of case studies from six different countries, featuring highly cited and lesser-known articles, as well as a selection of works designed to engage both the academic and public audiences. It will serve as a valuable resource for scholars and students of African Politics and History, encouraging them to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Stephen Ellis' oeuvre.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787383302