{"product_id":"the-fortunes-of-africa-a-5000-year-history-of-wealth-greed-and-endeavor-paperback","title":"The Fortunes of Africa: A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed, and Endeavor - Paperback","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/reportcopyrightinfringement.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReport copyright infringement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eMartin Meredith\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA sweeping history the fortune seekers, adventurers, despots, and thieves who have ruthlessly endeavored to extract gold, diamonds, and other treasures from Africa and its people.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Africa has been coveted for its rich natural resources ever since the era of the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew merchant-adventurers and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other rare earth minerals. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e In this vast and vivid panorama of history, Martin Meredith follows the fortunes of Africa over a period of 5,000 years. With compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms and empires; the spread of Christianity and Islam; the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of explorers and missionaries; and the impact of European colonization. He examines, too, the fate of modern African states and concludes with a glimpse of their future. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e His cast of characters includes religious leaders, mining magnates, warlords, dictators, and many other legendary figures-among them Mansa Musa, ruler of the medieval Mali empire, said to be the richest man the world has ever known.\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMartin Meredith\u003c\/b\u003e is a journalist, biographer, and historian who has written extensively on Africa and its recent history. His previous books include \u003ci\u003eMandela\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eMugabe\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eDiamonds, Gold, and War\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eBorn in Africa\u003c\/i\u003e; and \u003ci\u003eThe Fate of Africa\u003c\/i\u003e. He lives near Oxford, England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 784\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.2 x 8.9 x 6.1 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e March 22, 2016\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51978528424237,"sku":"9781610396356","price":24.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/3185\/6429\/files\/OVBpQjhXSkdIOXp1TWRJdThpVXIyZz09.webp?v=1775805654","url":"https:\/\/ishookbooks.com\/products\/the-fortunes-of-africa-a-5000-year-history-of-wealth-greed-and-endeavor-paperback","provider":"iShook Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}