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Product DescriptionIn 1990 Namibia gained its independence after a decades-long struggle against South African rule--and, before that, against German colonialism. This book, the first new scholarly general history of Namibia in two decades, provides a fresh synthesis of these events, and of the much longerpre-colonial period.A History of Namibia opens with a chapter by John Kinahan covering the evidence of human activity in Namibia from the earliest times to the nineteenth century, and for the first time making a synthesis of current archaeological research widely available to non-specialists. Insubsequent chapters, Marion Wallace weaves together the most up-to-date academic research (in English and German) on Namibian history, from the mid-eighteenth century to the present. She explores histories of migration, production and power in the pre-colonial period, the changes triggered byEuropean expansion, and the dynamics of the period of formal colonialism. The coverage of German rule includes a full chapter on the genocide of 1904-8. Here, Wallace outlines the history and historiography of the wars fought in central and southern Namibia, and the subsequent mass imprisonment ofdefeated Africans in concentration camps. The final two chapters analyse the period of African nationalism, apartheid and war between 1946 and 1990. The book's conclusion looks briefly at the development of Namibia in the two decades since independence.A History of Namibia provides an invaluableintroduction and reference source to the past of a country that is often neglected, despite its significance in the history of the region and, indeed, for that of European colonialism and international relations. It makes accessible the latest research on the country, illuminates currentcontroversies, puts forward new insights, and suggests future directions for research. The book's extensive bibliography adds to its usefulness for scholar and general reader alike.Review"Perceptive, multi-layered and judicious, Marion Wallace's comprehensiveHistory of Namibia is a veritable tour de force. Based on a deep knowledge of the existing historiography but also of the most recent research in Namibia itself, over two-thirds of the volume deals with the history of theregion and its peoples since 1870, and ends with a deft summary of the period since independence. Yet Wallace--and the archaeologist, John Kinahan, who contributes the first chapter--are also to be congratulated on their decision to root this account in the far deeper history of south-west Africa.The volume will surely prove indispensable to anyone with an interest in Namibian, southern African, and, indeed, African history more widely."--Shula Marks, Emeritus Professor and Hon. Fellow, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London"This first history of independent Namibia takes its small, ethnically diverse, largely pastoral community, in a vast piece of Africa, through colonialism, dispossession, genocide and war to the birth of 'a stable, peaceful, relatively prosperous nation state.' A compelling story, brilliantlytold."--Randolph Vigne, writer, researcher and campaigner on Namibia since the late 1950s"A comprehensive history which will be essential reading for anyone interested in moving beyond the shallow histories contained in tourist guides. This well crafted, fair, insightful and sensitive volume will appeal not only to the general reader but will be compulsory reading for scholars as well.Wallace's book is destined to become an instant classic."--Robert Gordon, Professor of Anthropology and African Studies, University of Vermont'Marion Wallace achieves nothing less then the first modern general history of Namibia. Her erudite treatment of the various aspects of Namibian history, from the German colonial racial state and the first genocide of the twentieth century to the de facto annexation by South Africa and the very lateindependence, will hugely benefit sc