The Golden Trade of the Moors: West African Kingdoms in the Fourteenth Century

A very interesting narrative that starts very early, Herodotus and Pliny for example, to set the scene for what happens later. Well researched and well written.. I often find older narratives can be less interesting in that their style seems outdated, but not this work. Still as lively as the day it was written and Mr Bovill's interest in his subject shows through on every page.

I read this book when I was 15, then lived, or visited and worked in most of the countries dealt with. Reading it again at 78 allows me to confirm its truth as a unique witness and synthesis, over the space and history of Africa north of the equator and Arabia.

Another book from my African CIV class tht was "looking" to be boring and ended up being enthralled by it... it is not common that you get a textbook you loose yourself in.

I'm reading this over the holidays.

I loved and enjoyed this book immensely. I had no idea of medieval Africa, but after reading Segu of Maryse Conde, I wanted to learn more. I could not have picked a better book. One of the best journeys through the pages I ever had.