If you're only going to get around to reading one book on Africa, let it be this one. Geology of gold. Origins of humanity. Pre-contact African kingdoms. Slavery. Colonialism. Ethnic conflict.

Have you noticed that humanitarian aid became an industry somewhere along the line? If you want to be part of the solution in Africa, read this first.

Africa isn't just a place, it's a way of living. Photos of people wearing and using artifacts that are part of their traditions.

The 19th and 20th century saw Europe carving up Africa for European political reasons. The arbitrary national boundaries, dependency, and loss of identity that resulted are still causing trouble.

Don't forget the continent is one of the greatest remaining reservoirs of species diversity...for a little while yet.

Fictionalized account of another great and little-known explorer, Mungo Park, on the Niger.

the Nile...

There's sometimes a fine line to walk between right action and interfering arrogance. To decide what you think, listen carefully to the people who are living the conditions you deplore.

Peace Corps is still a heck of a good way to give something to the world, and give it a chance to teach you. Too bad the 2003 expansion of the PC is already suffering budget cuts...

Fictionalized autobiography of the son of a European family long rooted in southern Africa. His friendship with the San ("Bushmen") saves his life. Sequel, "A Far-off Place" became a movie.

A good companion to "Lords of Poverty."

A classic, but a great window on confusion about national identity and one's own, that persists today.

OK, someone will say I romanticize Africa. But Dineson's book captures something real about the spirit of the place. Besides, the book is so beautifully written you can read it out loud.