History of Nigeria

This succinct, authoritative, and engagingly written history of Nigeria from its earliest beginnings through 1998 provides an excellent introduction to the country's history. Constructed around the two interrelated themes of politics and the economy, it relates the development of the Nigerian people from antiquity through the end of 1998. Following a timeline of events in the history of Nigeria, Professor Falola, a leading historian on Nigeria and a distinguished Africanist, provides a readable, coherent narrative that carefully integrates the past into the present to help the student and general reader understand the forces at play in the development of the country throughout its long history. Biographical sketches of notable Nigerians, maps, and a bibliographical essay will aid the beginning researcher.Falola examines the development of civilization among different Nigerian communities from antiquity, the consequences of the introduction of Islam and Christianity, the decimation of the population from the slave trade, the imposition of colonial rule and its effects, the transfer of power to the Nigerians in 1960, and the subsequent turmoil in the government and economy. The work analyzes the complicated journey of Nigeria to the present day, which is marked by political instability and economic underdevelopment. It is a story of Nigeria's failure to fulfill the expectations of its people while using its oil resources to become a giant.

"An excellent work of historical synthesis, the book presents the checkered history of Nigeria to both the reader and the specialist. This readable style, the extensive information, and the powerful analysis, all insure that this book will dominate the field for a long time."-Akanmu Adebayo Professor of History Kennesaw State University, "In this book, Toyin Falola, a leading Africanist, surveys Nigeria's difficult history in its march towards nationhood. A brilliant interpretive history, it offers a compelling series of coherent themes on politics and economy in a lucid language. The author justifies his acclaim as one of the leading scholars of Nigeria."-Onaiwu W. Ogbomo Department of History Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, "This book is a major synthesis of the history of the largest country in black Africa. It illuminates the long and varied history of the area....[A]nd produces a passionate yet balanced account of their causes and effects....The book is eminently suitable for educated general readers who are interested in broadening their knowledge of the wider world."-Ann O'Hear Author of Power Relations in Nigeria: Illorin Slaves and their Successors (1997), Co-editor, African Economic History, "This is a comprehensive introduction into the history of the country since the 19th century, with its focus especially on the colonial and post-colonial periods. While providing a good deal of historical background information, Professor Falola explores the politics, society, and economy of Nigeria since 1960 in much detail. The book should find a broad readership, because it is well readable as an introductory text into Nigerian affairs....Professor Falola's book makes an up-to-date and comprehensive companion to anybody interested in Nigeria's current process of transition to democracy - and into the 21st century."-Axel Harneit-Sievers Center for Modern Oriental Studies Berlin, Germany, "This is a well written, masterly account of the history of Nigeria, from the earliest times to the contemporary period. Authored by one of the most prominent and leading scholars of Nigerian history, this important work is indispensable for anyone interested in arguably, Africa's most important country. Toyin Falola's vast knowledge of the Nigerian state, and his extensive coverage of the country make this book a compelling reading."-Adebayo Oyebade College of Arts and Sciences Tennessee State University

TOYIN FALOLA is the Frances Higginbothom Nalle Centennial Professor of History at the University of Texas, Austin. A leading historian of Nigeria and a distinguished Africanist, he serves on the editorial board of many journals, co-edits the Journal of African Economic History, and serves as series editor for Studies in African History and the Diaspora. His publications include many essays and books on Nigeria, including Decolonization and Development Planning (1996) and Violence in Nigeria: The Crisis of Religious Politics and Secular Ideologies (1998). He is currently working on a book entitled The African Intelligentsia.