A History of Zimbabwe

Description

There is currently no single-volume history of Zimbabwe that provides detailed coverage of the country's experience from precolonial times to the present. This book examines Zimbabwe's precolonial, colonial and post-colonial social, economic and political history and relates historical factors and trends to more recent developments in the country. Zimbabwe is a country with a rich history, dating from the early San hunter-gatherer societies. The arrival of British imperial rule in 1890 impacted the country tremendously, as the European rulers developed and exploited Zimbabwe's resources, which gave rise to a movement of African nationalism and demands for independence. This process culminated in the armed conflict of the 1960s and 1970s, a war of liberation that ended with Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. The 1990s were marked by economic decline and the rise of opposition politics. In 1999, Mugabe and his party embarked on a violent and chaotic land reform program that disrupted the country's prosperous agricultural sector and plunged the nation's economy into a downward spiral. Political violence and human rights violations made Zimbabwe an international pariah state, with struggles continuing to this day. This book is targeted primarily at students of Zimbabwean history, but will be useful to both scholars of Zimbabwean history and those unfamiliar with the country's past. Review: Informative - This is a well written, comprehensive history of Zimbabwe. It is unusually detailed in its discussion of British colonization, and useful for any courses on that topic. I highly recommend this book. Review: Comprehensive Textbook - As we will be going to Zimbabwe soon, I wanted to learn more about the history and culture of the country. As it states, this really is the only comprehensive book on it. There are books that cover education, or medicine, or certain time periods. But this one covers it all. That said, it is difficult reading in that it is a text book, not just a non-fiction book. And the print is quite small. But stick with it and you will better understand this country and the vast abuses against it and the incredible odds the people have overcome. With their first election in 38 years without Mugabe in it coming up in a few months, the next chapter is still to be written. Blessings on the people of Zimbabwe as they continue to take back their country and form it into one united nation that benefits and serves all.