Martin Meredith is a journalist, biographer and historian who has written extensively on Africa and its recent history. He is the author of many books about the continent, including The State of Africa: A History of the Continent Since Independence; Diamonds, Gold and War: The Making of South Africa; The Fortunes of Africa: A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed and Endeavour; and Mandela: A Biography. He lives near Oxford.
‘As a narrative of Africa’s political trajectory since independence, this book is hard to beat … Elegantly written as well as unerringly accurate’ * Financial Times * ‘Meredith is a sure guide to this colossal, sad story’ * Sunday Times * 'You cannot even begin to understand contemporary African politics if you have not read this fascinating book' -- Bob Geldof 'As a popular introduction to the subject it could hardly be bettered' -- Piers Brendon * Sunday Telegraph * 'A highly readable digest of half a century of woes in the cradle of mankind' Economist * Economist * 'A brilliant and vitally important work for all who wish to understand Africa and its beleaguered people' * Booklist *