This book was conceived as a study guide and text book for the student of African civilizations globally. It is broken down into four sections: Nile Valley Civilizations (ancient Egypt) in which a short history of Ramses, the royal dynasties, the geography, and a wide-ranging, selected bibliography of Kemet (ancient Egypt) is offered; The African Presence in Asia in which the author analyses the work of Cheikh Anta Diop on Asia, adding significantly to our knowledge of the area, a selected bibliography, The Dalits (untouchables) of India; the most startling information in this book is the author's evidence of The African Presence in Prehistoric America which goes back to 30,000 years ago. This essay is based on the innovative archaeology of Harold Sterling Gladwin and is accomplished with careful attention to detail. Here the author also examines the prehistorical presence of Africans in Britain, based on the work of MacRitchie.

Facsimile reprint. Originally published: 1937.

Historical overview of the role of African cultures in world history.

Introduction to the History of African Civilization explores the major issues dominating African Civilization from the earliest recorded period to the eve of colonial conquest of the continent. C. Magbaily Fyle begins with a discussion of the myths and prejudices underlying most analyses of African issues, and moves into a discussion of the origin of humanity; the similarities between the classical Nile valley civilizations of Egypt, Nubia, Kush, and Axum; and the spread of Islam through African societies. He portrays the systems of precolonial government and society, including the role of women in governance, as well as traditional trade and agricultural patterns. Fyle provides a new perspective on the Islamic Jihads, shifting focus from Sokoto and Macina to the Senegambia and the Upper Guinea region, and a revised interpretation of the Atlantic slave trade, which includes the importance of African objectors to this process. He also discusses important cultural features such as the traditional African food, architecture, and typical structures of towns.