The Africans

By: David Lamb

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

David Lamb, critically-acclaimed author of The Arabs, spent four years in Africa as a news correspondent, traveling through 48 of its countries. Written in 1983, The Africans is a remarkable and very personal commentary on the people of this vast continent. It offers colorful, close-up views of presidents, peasants, guerilla leaders, and merchants while tracing a vivid history of one of the most varied populations on earth. Everyone interested in world cultures will find The Africans a fascinating experience.©1987 David Lamb (P)1996 Recorded Books, LLC

Sad but true observation of Africa then

The more things change the more they remain the same. Africa now is not the Africa David Lamb wrote about yet some of the ailments that bedevilled it still exist - corruption, rulers with lesions of grandeur and unfulfilled potential. Bright spots have arisen in more democracy, greater access to international trade, a growing middle class, a free South Africa and a more engaged African Union. I would love a sequel looking at how Africa has performed since the last time he wrote this book!

Would have been great 25 years ago

This would have been a great listen were it 1985 or so. The material is very dated and I expect Africa is very different now than it was 25 years ago when this book was written. It's based on the author's experiences in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Enough said.