Best African History Books of 2025

Cobalt Red is a groundbreaking exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining. Investigator Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living and dying for cobalt. The book reveals the brutal mining practices, traces the supply chain of child-mined cobalt, and gathers shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering. Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo because we are all implicated. This is a crucial book for anyone interested in environmental economics and human rights.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier is a riveting first-person account of Ishmael Beah's experience as a child soldier. Beah, now twenty-five years old, tells a heartbreaking story of how he fled attacking rebels at the age of twelve and was later picked up by the government army, where he was forced to commit terrible acts. The book is a rare and mesmerizing account, told with real literary force and heartbreaking honesty. This book is a must-read for everyone, as it offers a glimpse into the world of child soldiers and what it means to be human.

The Destruction of Black Civilization is a groundbreaking work of African history that challenges the traditional narrative of the continent's past. Chancellor Williams argues that the destruction of black civilization was not due to inherent weaknesses but rather the result of external factors such as imperialism and stolen legacies. Williams shifts the focus from the history of Arabs and Europeans in Africa to the Africans themselves, offering a new approach to research, teaching, and studying African history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in African history and the evolution of the black revolution in the 1970s.

The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon is a seminal work that delves into the issues of race, colonialism, and revolutionary struggle. This sixtieth-anniversary edition, with a new introduction by Cornel West, is a timeless piece that continues to influence movements around the world. Fanon's work is a must-read for anyone interested in civil rights, anti-colonialism, psychiatric studies, and Black consciousness movements. The critical essays by Jean-Paul Sartre and Homi K. Bhabha and the powerful introduction by Cornel West make this edition stand out. Overall, The Wretched of the Earth remains a vital guide to the failures of the darker nations and the tenacity of white supremacy in the West.

The book "Great Kingdoms of Africa" is a comprehensive overview of the precolonial African kingdoms, written by leading experts in the field. The book aims to shift the focus from European colonialism and slavery to the rich history of African kingdoms, dynasties, and city-states. Each chapter covers a different kingdom, offering a blend of political and social history to give readers a well-rounded understanding of African history. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of Africa's rich history and is a unique contribution to the field.

From Babylon to Timbuktu: A History of the Ancient Black Races Including the Black Hebrews is a meticulously researched book that delves into the history of black races in the Middle East and Africa, from the earliest recorded times. This book is a valuable addition to the field of knowledge on the subject, providing a fascinating account of the ancient black races of the region.The Windsor Golden Series has done a great job in presenting this book as a part of the Ethiopia History Books category. The book's unique approach to the topic highlights the rich and diverse history of the black races, including the Black Hebrews. Overall, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in black history and culture.

River of the Gods by Candice Millard is a gripping account of the exploration to find the source of the Nile River in the 19th century. The book tells the story of Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke, two explorers sent by the Royal Geographical Society to claim the prize for England. The book is a harrowing tale of their journey, filled with danger, hardship, and betrayal. Millard's writing is engaging, and her research is thorough. Overall, River of the Gods is a fascinating read and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of African exploration.

Left to Tell tells the story of Immaculee Ilibagiza, a Rwandan survivor of the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of nearly a million people. During 91 days of unspeakable terror, Immaculee and seven other women hid in a bathroom while hundreds of killers hunted for them. It was during this time that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer and a profound relationship with God. The book is a remarkable journey of terror, endurance, healing, and forgiveness. It is a must-read for anyone who has experienced fear, suffering, and loss.

Frantz Fanon's Black Skin, White Masks is a profound contribution to critical race theory and the black identity. The book examines the black psyche in a white world, and its impact on civil rights and anti-colonial movements is unparalleled. The new translation updates its language for a new generation of readers. Fanon's work is a mix of revolutionary manifesto, metaphysics, prose poetry, and literary criticism. Its scientific analysis and poetic grace make it a vital force today. This book should be required reading for anyone seeking to understand the struggles of the African diaspora.

The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome by Susan Wise Bauer is an engaging narrative history that connects the cultures of the ancient world. Bauer uses literature, epic traditions, private letters, and accounts to connect kings and leaders with the lives of those they ruled. The book covers the ancient worlds of Sumer, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Mesopotamia, and Rome, and provides dozens of maps and timelines to give readers a sense of the passage of years and cultural interconnection. Although the chapters on Asia and India are the least developed, the book provides an engrossing tapestry of human behavior from which we may draw conclusions about the direction of world events and the causes behind them. Overall, this is an excellent book for anyone interested in ancient history.