Originally published in 1980 and here re-issued with an updated preface, this book deals with the role of the horse in the societies of West Africa during the pre-colonial period. It traces the history of its introduction and its diffusion within West Africa, and examines the problems of maintaining horses in such a harsh environment. The use of horses in warfare in analysed but the non-military aspects of the West African horse culture are also discussed, principally the use of horses as tokens of status and wealth. The book includes a review of the decline of the West African horse culture in the 20th century, reflecting the passing of a political system based on warfare and slavery.

The Yoruba-Speaking Peoples of the Slave Coast of West Africa (1894) is an important work of in-depth research into one of the principal indigenous communities of West Africa. The territory of the Yoruba peoples extends over the southern parts of western Nigeria and eastern Dahomey, and this book examines their religion, customs, laws and language, and contains an extensive appendix comparing the Tshi (Oji), Gã, Ewe and Yoruba languages.

Explores empires of medieval west Africa.

This is a survey of pre-colonial West Africa, written by the internationally respected author and journalist, Basil Davidson. He takes as his starting point his successful textA History of West Africa 1000-1800, but he has reworked his new text specially for a wider international readership. In the process he offers a fascinating introduction to the rich societies and cultures of Africa before the coming of the Europeans.