description John Iliffe Overview
John Iliffe is a British historian of Africa whose work addresses the continent's social, economic, and political history. He held a professorship at the University of Cambridge and wrote Africans: The History of a Continent, first published in 1995. That book presents a long-range history of African societies from early human settlement through the modern period and is intended for students and readers seeking a broad historical account of Africa.
help John Iliffe FAQ
What is John Iliffe's Africans: The History of a Continent about?
Africans: The History of a Continent presents a long-term history of Africa from early societies through colonialism and the modern era. It was first published in 1995 and emphasizes demographic, environmental, economic, and political change.
What makes John Iliffe's history of Africa different from a colonial history?
Iliffe places African societies and African responses at the center of the narrative. European conquest is treated as one period in a much longer history rather than as the starting point of Africa's past.
What themes does John Iliffe use to explain African history?
He repeatedly examines population, disease, ecology, state formation, agriculture, labor, and the effects of warfare. These themes help explain why different African regions developed distinct political and economic systems.
Where did John Iliffe teach?
John Iliffe held a professorship at the University of Cambridge and was known as a British historian of Africa. His Cambridge career supported a wide-ranging approach that connected social, economic, and political history.
explore Explore More
Similar to John Iliffe
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
