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A History of Zambia Author: Andrew Roberts 288pp; 214 X 135mm; 18 b/w pics; 14 line drawings; 10 maps Trade paperback; ISBN 0-8419-0490-1 Non fiction

Besides being a major exporter of copper, Zambia played a crucial frontier role in relations between black Africa and South Africa.

In tracing the origins of Zambia’s present societies, Roberts focuses on the broad similarities and contrasts in language, religious beliefs and social institutions that underlie the confusing variety of pre-colonial kingdoms and chiefdoms. He draws on unpublished research to provide a new picture not just of the area that is now Zambia but of the whole savannah region of southern Africa.

He relates the rise of African nationalism to the growth of modern industry on the Copperbelt and to the major problems faced by Zambia since independence in 1964.

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Media reviews:

Andrew Roberts has written a well-balanced i8ncisive, comprehensive and authoritative general history of Zambia which is likely to be long unsurpassed both for Zambia and as a model for treating other African countries.
American Historical Review

Neither nationalist nor political economist, this history of Zambia provides a very sound point of departure for students entering upon a study of the area. Would that all countries were so well served.
Journal of Southern African Studies

A History of Zambia fills a long-felt need for an authoritative survey of the subject.
Africana Journal

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