This new edition of the popular school history book has been thoroughly revised to bring it fully up to date. It provides a stimulating account of Central African history from the Iron Age to the liberation struggle and the successful achievement of Zimbabwe's national independence. 

First and foremost the book aims to meet the needs of secondary school students, especially those following the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate syllabus. Written in a very readable and straightforward way, this edition contains many new illustrations and maps. A new set of questions has been included to help students prepare for their examinations.

In writing this edition D.E. Needham has been joined by two eminent Zimbabwean historians, Dr Elleck Mashingaidze and Dr Ngwabi Bhebe.