Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 1977, Africa has established itself as the most popular introductory text for African studies courses in North America. This third edition has been completely revised and brought up to date since the 1986 edition, reflecting changes in African society and politics, and in the scholarship available on this vast and complex continent.ContentsI. Introduction1. Africa: Problems and Perspectives. Phyllis M. Martin and Patrick O'Meara2. The Contemporary Map of Africa. Michael L. McNultyII. The African Past3. Prehistoric Africa. Kathy D. Schick4. Aspects of Early African History. John Lamphear and Toyin Falola5. Islam and African Societies. John H. Hanson6. Africa and Europe before 1900. Curtis A. Keim7. The Colonial Era. Sheldon Gellar8. Decolonization, Independence, and the Failure of Politics. Edmond J. KellerIII. Society and Culture9. Social Organization in Africa. John C. McCall10. Economic Life in African Villages and Towns. Mahir Saul11. African Systems of Thought. Ivan Karp12. African Art. Patrick McNaughton and Diane Pelrine13. African Music Performed. Ruth M. Stone14. Popular Culture in Urban Africa. Dele Jegede15. African Literature. Eileen Julien16. Social Change in Contemporary Africa. Claire Robertson17. Law and Society in Contemporary Africa. Takyiwaa ManuhIV. Economics and Politics18. African Politics since Independence. N. Brian Winchester19. Economic Change in Contemporary Africa. Sara Berry20. The African Development Crisis. Richard Stryker and Stephen N. Ndegwa21. South Africa. C. R. D. Halisi and Patrick O'MearaAfricana Resources for Undergraduates: A Bibliographic Essay. Nancy J. Schmidt