Product Description

From the ancient kingdom of Kush, whose black pharaohs ruled Egypt for nearly a century, to the sixteenth-century empire of the Kongo, whose emperor was so powerful he was able to halt the trade in slaves for a number of years, the African continent rangwith a series of glorious civilizations that have had a lasting impact on the world's history, and on American culture. James Haskins and Floyd Cooper have won numerous awards for their books for young people, including several Coretta Scott King Honor awards. This groundbreaking book is their first collaboration. Index. Bibliography. All ages.

Consultants on this book were Dr. John Henrik Clarke, noted scholar of black history, and Dr. Enid Schildkrout, curator of anthropology, The American Museum of Natural History.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1677486 in Books
• Published on: 1998-01-20
• Released on: 1998-01-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Library Binding
• 48 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 3 UpAThis informative picture book is a handsomely illustrated overview of Africa's ancient empires. From thousands of years ago when the Sahara was green and fertile, to the peak of the African slave trade in the late 1700's, many cultures flourished. Readers learn that Egypt was once ruled by the Kushites, whose kings were shown in temple and tomb depictions as black pharaohs. European explorers and exploiters ignored the continent's past in their preoccupation with treasure. The slaves who survived the brutal journey of the Middle Passage brought with them their rich oral history and traditions, eventually blending elements of their cultures with those of the New World in North, Central, and South America. There is just enough information in the text to leave children curious to learn more about these ancient empires, and the extensive bibliography points to more detailed sources. Cooper's understated paintings in muted colors effectively convey a feeling of strength and power. His oil wash on boards technique gives a textured antique appearance to the beautiful double-page spreads. A stunning introduction to African history.AEunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 3^-7. Although books about ancient Egypt generally are available in abundance, titles dealing with other African civilizations have been much more difficult to find. In this handsomely designed picture book for older readers, the authors begin with Nubia around the year 3800 B.C. and continue surveying the cultures (including Egyptian) in chronological order, covering 11 in all. Separate sections on music and dance, the spread of Islam, slavery, trade with Europeans, and art and religion are also included, along with milestones and a bibliography. The oil-and-wash paintings, which reflect Cooper's exceptional ability to capture people's faces, portray the varied cultures with dignity and spirit. Both the authors and the artist have done their research, but as Haskins notes in the introduction, the book is "only a glimpse." It is a place to begin. Susan Dove Lempke

From Kirkus Reviews
0-688-10257-3 Beginning with the pre-dynastic Nubian culture, Haskins (see review, above) covers the successive rise and fall of Saharan and sub-Saharan empires and major cities between 3800 b.c. and a.d. 1665, then veers away from the political and economic history for three paragraphs (actually a long caption accompanying an unidentified performer) about ``Music and Dance,'' a similar essay on ``Art and Religion,'' and a lengthier, broad account of ``Slavery and Colonization.'' The bibliography is better than perfunctory, but neither the map, which has no political boundaries, nor the timeline, which refers to people and cultures not covered in the text, are particularly helpful. This sumptuously packaged first volume in a projected series makes a strong first impression, but those seeking very specific interpretations of the text won't find it in Cooper's golden-hazed paintings, which are strongly atmospheric but less rewarding on cultural and historical details. (Nonfiction. 9-11) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Learning About Africa...
How do you answer the questions about African history for an inquisitive, young mind? My 6-year old son wanted to know about Africa, where African people came from and about our origins as African-Americans. This book not only illustrates African culture and its people, but it is an early reader that he can understand and read with me or on his own. African Beginnings offers a colorful preview into the beginning of African tribes cultures and knowledge and capabilities in a way that a child can understand.

Great Springboard to African Culture
Although African civilization is an integral part of world history, it is an aspect of world history that is too often underemphasized--particularly at the elementary grade level. Young learners are seldom made aware that great empires like Egypt, Ghana, Jenne-Jeno, Kush, Songhay, Timbuktu, Nubia... once served as cradles of civilization led by kings and queens of ebon hue. This work, captivatingly illustrated by Floyd Cooper, helps to dispel stereotypical images of ancient African culture while serving as a springboard to African heritage. AFRICAN BEGINNINGS is a must-have resource for elementary students (Grades 2 through 5) and educators across cultures!

African Beginnings
This book was very informative and full of wonderfully painted pictures. It has much information on many of the main countries in Africa including music, religion, etc... Great book for reports for the kids in school.