`Meredith artfully weaves together exploration, trade, and geography in a narrative that is both detailed and arresting' The Economist 

Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of the pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds and other valuable minerals. The land was another prize. The Romans relied on their colonies in north Africa for vital grain shipments to feed the population of Rome. Arab invaders followed in their wake, eventually colonizing the entire region. In modern times, foreign corporations have acquired huge tracts of land to secure food supplies needed abroad, just as the Romans did. 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 the fate of modern African states and concludes with a glimpse of their future. His cast of characters includes religious leaders, mining magnates, warlords, dictators, and many other legendary figures, among thein Mansa Musa, ruler of the medieval Mali empire, said to be the richest man the world has ever known. 'I speak of Africa,' Shakespeare wrote, 'and of golden joys.' This is history on an epic scale.