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Reaches far back into early history, covers the colonial era extensively, and then continues on to the present period. Includes an up-to-date chronology and a bibliography that can direct readers to other pertinent works. Reviews from Previous Edition: ... Read more

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The Bakweri people of Mount Cameroon, West Africa have had a varied and at times exciting history which has brought them into contact, not only with other African peoples, but with merchants, missionaries, soldiers and administrators form Portugal, Holland, England, Jamaica, Sweden, Germany and more recently France. Edwin Ardener, the distinguished social anthropologist who spoke their language, wrote a number of studies on the history and culture of the Bakweri Kingdom. Some of his unpublished writings, as well as out of print materials are presented here for the first time. The book covers the early contacts with the Portuguese and Dutch from the sixteenth century, the arrival of the missionaries in the nineteenth century, the dramatic defeat of the first German punitive expedition, the subsequent establishment by the Germans of the plantation system, and the British Trusteeship period until independence in 1961 as part of the Federal Republic of Cameroon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Just GREAT!!
The author does a great job painting what Kamerun was like before Kamerun and Cameroon. A detailed account of Joseph Merrick's trip. Narrating the German infiltration into this Nation alongside the importance Mount Cameroon posed for the Germans economically; the building of plantations and securing a route to Douala for exporting. Mr. Ardner compares notes made by the Germans (translated) and narratives from locals to tell the true story of what the atmosphere was like. How the building of plantations affected the Bakweri and the surrounding villages; divorces; migration; a fear for a lost "real Bakweri"; concubinage; traditions; the fight of Kuva Lykenyewith the Germans; the Plebiscite and so much more...Great Job byEdwin and Shirley Ardner.

A Key Ethnic Group of Cameroon
On the slopes of an active volcano, Mount Cameroon, from which the country of Cameroon takes its name, are a fascinating people called the Bakweri. Their locale geographically dominates the entire region, and historically the Bakweri leveraged this into various forms of advantage, at times commercial and at times political.

When the Europeans arrived, they too saw the strategic significance of the Bakwiri's area. Four centuries of interaction followed, as described here in a posthumous collection of papers written by the anthropologist Edwin Ardener. He covered many aspects of that history in research that took him decades to amass.

Some readers may find most compelling the narrative of how the Bakwiri defeated the Germans in an 1894 battle, though they eventually lost that war. A European defeat in Africa in the 19th century was rare indeed. But for some reason, this battle has been far less remembered than the British defeat by the Zulus at Isandlwana. ... Read more

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This book is about the Duala "middlemen," who functioned as intermediaries between Europeans and their own hinterland for over three hundred years. Originally traders in ivory, slaves and palm products, they then became colonial-era cocoa planters, and finally took a leading role in anti-colonial politics. One of their lasting advantages was European education, which they used to develop ideas about their ethnicity and its historical basis. The authors criticize these local beliefs about the past but indicate what they reveal about power and identity in this region and elsewhere in Africa. ... Read more

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This book is written by an outstanding group of scholars, all of whom have a genuine and longstanding interest in peace and social justice in Cameroon. It makes a significant contribution to the debate on poverty alleviation in Cameroon, the country’s stalled transition to democratic governance, identity and citizenship and the equitable allocation of resources.

The Leadership Challenge in Africa contains the refreshing, rigorous, and informative analysis of the Biya regime, opposition politics, as well as the Anglophone problem and provides practical strategies to enhance peaceful co-existence and sustainable development in the country. It emphasizes the importance of enfranchising the Camroonian people and providing them with the facilities to determine how they want to be governed and how their resources should be allocated.

Contributing scholars include Lyombe Eko, Julius Amin, Piet Konings, Francis B. Nyamnjob, Samgena D. Galega, Martha Tumnde, Nicodemus Fur Awasom, Nantang Jua, Fuabeh P. Fonge, Charels Manga Fombad, Victor Julius Ngoh, Charles Manga Fombad, Jonie Banyong Fonyam, and Greg Asuagbor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A definite plus!!!
This is a pretty decent read but is quite hard to keep up just because of its repetitive nature. The same thing is repeated over and over. Notwithsatnding that, there were a couple of areas that provided a decent historical background on some of the political parties, and key dates in the history of Cameroon. It might seem a little too heavy for someone who does not have a lot of interest in this subject matter. The author provides some good suggestions to make life better in Cameroon. It outlines how corruption has been accepted as a modus operandi and that has to change in order to have a government which will not only funciotn as it should, but one which people can trust. It is an overwhelming source of infomation for the struggle of Democracy in Cameroon.

It's all Biya's fault
This is quite a bookish view of the political situation in Cameroon under Paul Biya, but it is repetitive and single-purposed in its defense of the thesis that all blame lies with Paul Biya.It's as if every author was given the story line "Paul Biya is the problem", the framework to tell the story (history of the Cameroon since 1960), and then were all graded on how well they rationalized away any other option for Cameroon's morass, by quoting contextually relevant scholarly studies from many sources.On a positive note, by the time you finish reading this book, you will have all relevant dates and persons committed to memory. The entire 450 page book could have been condensed to less than 200 pages by taking out the sentiments that were repeated ad nauseum: the Anglophones have been marginalized, we need a new federalist constitution, the SDF will save us, etc.

One author, Charles Manga Fombad, does a credible job of laying out the largest and most "real" of the problems: corruption as an accepted way of life.And this problem - corruption - existed a LONG time before Biya took office.The authors do not give any crebible solution for the corruption problem, simply wishing it away with a change in government.

The only chapter in the book which seemed to me to be even-handed was the one by Victor Ngoh, "Biya and the Transition to Democracy".Mr. Ngoh is the only author that dared to lay any of the blame firmly on the Cameroonian people, while suggesting that Biya is not the sole source of all problems in Cameroon.

The most fantastic assertion made in the book is that the way to "fix things" is for the present government to admit its errors and give the Anglophone West, possibly through a new federalist constitution, full control of all the oil revenues coming from the Ambas Bay.This represents the bulk of all revenues accruing to the Cameroonian government, yet the authors argue that since it's geologically part of "Western Cameroon", the proceeds should fall to the Anglophones to distribute as they see fit.Uh... OK.I control all the money and you don't like it, so the solution is for me to give it all to you and you can control it (and I definitely won't like it).Any "solution" to the Anglophone problem that includes a reversal of the current situation - win/lose for someone - is an exercise in academia, but not an exercise in problem solving.

Paul Biya may be every bit as inept and self-serving as the book depicts, but, since the book is singularly one-sided in its view, I suspect that the problem is quite a bit more complex than the authors would have me believe.I recommend this book for its exhaustive study of a particular point of view: that of the disillusioned exiles who now eke out a living by writing about it. ... Read more

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Analyzes various aspects of the land and boundary dispute, tracing the conflict from pre-colonial times through the period of decolonization and beyond. This work offers manuscript's interdisciplinary approach that combines elements of political science, anthropology and economics. ... Read more

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The fourth edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Republic of Cameroon relates the turbulent history of Cameroon through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 600 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, events, places, organizations, and other aspects of Cameroon history from the earliest times to the present. ... Read more

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The aim of this book is to provide an accurate account, combining academic critical analysis and polemical writing, of a chapter of Cameroonian history; and to place individual contributions and discussion into a framework which elucidates French/African connections. The essays sketch France's colonial impact in Africa and the complex post-colonial relationship between France and Africa as a direct consequence of Gaullist rule in France. Characterisations of the regime of Ahmadu Ahijo show how it fits into a particular pattern of French neo-colonial polity, and illustrate Cameroon's adopted solution to operating such a system. The editor extrapolates to comment on the social consequences of dictatorial rule in Africa, and the importance of the Gaullist strategy in explaining the pattern of political power in ex-French Africa. He includes writings from the exiled Cameroonian novelist, Mongo Beti, for their relevance to debates about intellectual freedom and expression, and the tendency of the establishment to distort the truth about Ahidjo's Cameroon. There are notes on the central role of military tribunals, brutalities and torture, and prisons and concentration camps; issues which were casualties of the belief that they were inevitable concomitants of political integration and nation building. ... Read more

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An examination of the constitutional history of British Southern Cameroons from 1922 to 1961, this work provides a foundation for understanding the origin of the Anglophone Question in present-day Cameroon. A revised edition, it covers issues such as, amongst others: Foncha's confidential letter to Soppo Priso in 1956; the banning of the UPC in Southern Cameroons in 1957; the inconclusive nature of the 1959 general election; the December 1960 standoff between Foncha and Deputy Commissioner N.H. Milne; the plebiscite campaign strategies of the KNDP and the CPNC; and the revelation that Foncha and Muna had, allegedly, cut a deal with Ahidjo before the Foumban Constitutional Conference. The author's work is the result of extensive research at the Public Records Office (London), the National Archives in Yaounde and Buea, and of interviews with many of the key Cameroonian players in the constitutional development of the territory. ... Read more

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The Making of Modern Cameroon, Vol. 1 examines the history of present day Cameroon's struggle to create, unite, and integrate their country. The story begins with the colonization of the country by Germany in 1884 and continues with the country's experience under British and French rule from 1914 to 1961. ... Read more

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During the long dry season, Tupuri men and women in northern Cameroon gather in gurna camps outside their villages to learn the songs that will be performed at widely attended celebrations to honor the year’s dead. The gurna provides a space for them to join together in solidarity to care for their cattle, fatten their bodies, and share local stories. But why does the gurna remain meaningful in the modern nation-state of Cameroon? In Journey of Song, Clare A. Ignatowski explores the vitality of gurna ritual in the context of village life and urban neighborhoods. She shows how Tupuri songs borrow from political discourse on democracy in Cameroon and make light of human foibles, publicize scandals, promote the prestige of dancers, and provide an arena for powerful social commentary on the challenges of modern life. In the context of broad social change in Africa, Ignatowski explores the creative and communal process by which local livelihoods and identities are validated in dance and song. ... Read more

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Geography, history, people, language, culture, traditions, economy, government, politics, constitution, places to visit, info for travelers... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book about the Peace Corps!
The title of Dr. Amin's book does not accurately represent the breadth of the subject matter within it, the book is so much more. I bought this book hoping to gain some knowledge about the early years of the Peace Corps in Cameroon, and was pleased to discover in contained a wealth of information about the beginning years of the Peace Corps as well as loads of information about the Peace Corps in Cameroon.

The book is written by a history professor, and contains all the quotes and statistics you would expect from an academic author. However, it does not read like a dry product of academia.

The book is 240 pages, with the body of the book being 186 pages long. It is a quick and enjoyable read that packs a tremendous amount of information into a concise book, yet remains enjoyable to read.

It is a MUST read for Peace Corps Volunteers that served in Cameroon, or Peace Corps Invitees heading to Cameroon.

-Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Cameroon, 2002-2004)
... Read more

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Africa's Political Wastelands explores and confirms the fact that because of irresponsible, corrupt, selfish, and unpatriotic kleptocrats parading as leaders, the ultimate breakdown of order has become the norm in African nations, especially those south of the Sahara. The result is the virtual annihilation of once thriving and proud nations along with the citizenry who are transformed into wretches, vagrants, and in the extreme, refugees. Doh uses Cameroon as an exemplary microcosm to make this point while still holding imperialist ambitions largely responsible for the status quo in Africa. Ultimately, in the hope of jumpstarting the process, he makes pertinent suggestions on turning the tide on the continent. ... Read more

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Daniel R. Evina Nna was born in 1901 in the area of what is now Southern Cameroon on the Atlantic coast of Africa. European colonization of the region had just begun and traditional African tribal ways were still intact. This book, translated from his native Bulu language is a detailed account of the traditions, hunting techniques, society and language of the Fang tribes of the area. The author gives an unprecedented insight into the social and cultural fabric that once defined the Fang people as an ethnic entity before the advent of colonization and urbanization. ... Read more

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"When we think of Martyr, most peoplehave in mind men who have died or beencrucifi ed or jailed for espousing causes inwhich they believed..."Claude M. BristolThe Magic of Believing "Th e greatest of all forms of happiness comesas the result of hope of achievement of someyet unattained desire".Napoleon HillThe Master Key to Riches ... Read more

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There is a growing body of literature on what was originally envisioned as a free political association of the French and British Cameroons and its dramatic effects on the 'British Cameroons' community. Anyangwe's new book is an attempt to write the history of the Southern Cameroons from a legal perspective. This authoritative work describes in great detail the story of La Republique du Cameroun's alleged annexation and colonization of the Southern Cameroons following the achievement of its independence, while highlighting the seeming complicity of the United Nations and the British Trusteeship Authority. In the process, Anyangwe unravels a number of myths created by the main actors to justify this injustice and, in the end, makes useful suggestions to reverse the situation and to restore statehood to the Southern Cameroons. The book is rich in archival research and informed by a global perspective. It convincingly shows the uniqueness of the Southern Cameroons case. ... Read more

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Suitable for writers and students of African oral history, particularly ethno-historians and anthropologists. ... Read more

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Strong Pre-Plebiscite Position of British Southern Cameroons Leaders The two leaders (Endeley and Foncha, Former and current Prime Ministers) accepted completely dropping the idea of joining Nigeria or Cameroon, simply requesting of the British administering authority the granting of independence to the Southern Cameroons in its own right (Kale 1967: 70; Awasom 1980: 57). This decision was happily welcomed by the British Commissioner, J.O. Fields, and it led to the London Talks of November 1960. The London Talk was chaired by the British Secretary of State for Colonies. It was attended by the Commissioner J. O. Fields, and the Southern Cameroonian leaders including E. M. L. Endeley, J. N. Foncha, P. M. Motomby-Woleta, Reverend Kangsen, S. E. Ncha, Fon Galega II of Bali, and Fon Oben of Mamfe. Discussions on the independence of the Southern Cameroons were moving toward fruition, but not for long. The atmosphere soon changed dramatically, for it was filled with a diversity of views, and "so these other roundtable talks ended in smoke" (Kale 1967: 70). 19 Foncha and Endeley had to campaign to obtain independence for the Southern Cameroons, either by reunifying with Cameroon or the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in spite of themselves. The Southern Cameroons, therefore, presented "one of the most bizarre cases in history where a territory had to gain its independence by attaching itself to an already independent state" (Awasom 1980: 58). Whatever effort necessaryWhen you're willing to make an initial effort, you'll succeed sometimes. Take the next step, make a second effort, and you'll succeed more often. If you're prepared to make a third, fourth, or fifth effort, you'll reach a much higher success rate. And when you commit to putting forth whatever effort is necessary, you will achieve whatever you choose. Real and lasting success usually requires more than one attempt. If you make just a single attempt and then give ... Read more