Best Ethiopia History Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

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Ethiopia has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. For those interested in learning more about this fascinating country, there are a number of excellent history books available. These books cover everything from the ancient kingdoms of Axum and Lalibela to the modern-day struggles of the Ethiopian people. Some of the most popular titles include "A History of Ethiopia" by Harold Marcus, "The Ethiopians: A History" by Richard Pankhurst, and "The Emperor: Downfall of an Autocrat" by Ryszard Kapuściński. Whether you're a student of history or simply interested in learning more about this vibrant African nation, these books are sure to provide you with a wealth of knowledge and insight.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

From Babylon to Timbuktu: A History of the Ancient Black Races Including the Black Hebrews Cover #TOP 1
From Babylon to Timbuktu: A History of the Ancient Black Races Including the Black Hebrews
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Great Kingdoms of Africa Cover #TOP 2
Great Kingdoms of Africa
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Ethiopian Bible 22 Unique Scrolls: Complete English Version (Illustrated) Cover #TOP 3
Ethiopian Bible 22 Unique Scrolls: Complete English Version (Illustrated)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Ethiopia History Books

From Babylon to Timbuktu: A History of the Ancient Black Races Including the Black Hebrews

Windsor, Rudolph R
Hagahn, El
Windsor, Rudolph R
Windsor Golden Series
Aug 25, 2006
From Babylon to Timbuktu: A History of the Ancient Black Races Including the Black Hebrews Cover
From Babylon to Timbuktu: A History of the Ancient Black Races Including the Black Hebrews

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.

#TOP 2

Great Kingdoms of Africa

Parker, John
Mar 21, 2023
Great Kingdoms of Africa Cover
Great Kingdoms of Africa

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.

#TOP 3

Ethiopian Bible 22 Unique Scrolls: Complete English Version (Illustrated)

Anonymous, Anonymous
Ethiope, Trump D.
Charles, R. H.
Lightfoot, J. B.
Jan 30, 2023
Ethiopian Bible 22 Unique Scrolls: Complete English Version (Illustrated) Cover
Ethiopian Bible 22 Unique Scrolls: Complete English Version (Illustrated)

The Ethiopian Bible 22 Unique Scrolls: Complete English Version (Illustrated) is a compilation of 22 books from the Ethiopian Bible that most people have not heard about or read. The book includes 15+ simple illustrations, an introduction, and 22 beautifully formatted chapters with legible fonts. The Ethiopian Bible predates the King James Version by 800 years and was originally written in Ge'ez on animal hide. This book is a great addition to East Africa History Books category, and it offers readers an opportunity to learn about the ways in which Ethiopians have served God even before the time of Christ.

#TOP 4

Hope Is Cut: Youth, Unemployment, and the Future in Urban Ethiopia (Global Youth)

Mains, Daniel
Temple University Press
Nov 4, 2011
Hope Is Cut: Youth, Unemployment, and the Future in Urban Ethiopia (Global Youth) Cover
Hope Is Cut: Youth, Unemployment, and the Future in Urban Ethiopia (Global Youth)

"Hope Is Cut" is an ethnographic study that explores the struggles of young men in urban Ethiopia who are facing an unemployment rate of around fifty percent. The book delves into the ways in which young men try to maintain hope for the future amidst economic uncertainty and cultural globalization. The author, Daniel Mains, examines the construction of optimism through activities such as formal schooling, the consumption of international films, and the use of khat. The book also addresses social theories concerning space, time, and capitalism. Overall, "Hope Is Cut" provides a detailed and moving account of the challenges faced by young men in Ethiopia and highlights the importance of reciprocity and international migration in overcoming these challenges."

#TOP 5

The Tigrayan Electrician: Memories of my father and his beloved motherland

Bahta, Issayas Yrgaw
Mar 23, 2023
The Tigrayan Electrician: Memories of my father and his beloved motherland Cover
The Tigrayan Electrician: Memories of my father and his beloved motherland

The Tigrayan Electrician is a heart-wrenching memoir that recounts the tragic murder of the author's father during a brutal reprisal by Ethiopian authorities in 1976. The book also sheds light on the ongoing genocide in Tigray, Ethiopia, where the author's father was born. The author exposes the unspeakable atrocities committed against the six million people of Tigray, including ethnic cleansing, mass killing, and sexual violence. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the historical and current political climate of Ethiopia. It is a powerful call to action, demanding that the world pay attention to the ongoing tragedy in Tigray.

Ancient African Kingdoms: A Captivating Guide to Civilizations of Ancient Africa Such as the Land of Punt, Carthage, the Kingdom of Aksum, the Mali ... the Kingdom of Kush (Exploring Africa’s Past)

History, Captivating
Captivating History
Sep 19, 2020
Ancient African Kingdoms: A Captivating Guide to Civilizations of Ancient Africa Such as the Land of Punt, Carthage, the Kingdom of Aksum, the Mali ... the Kingdom of Kush (Exploring Africa’s Past) Cover
Ancient African Kingdoms: A Captivating Guide to Civilizations of Ancient Africa Such as the Land of Punt, Carthage, the Kingdom of Aksum, the Mali ... the Kingdom of Kush (Exploring Africa’s Past)

Ancient African Kingdoms: A Captivating Guide to Civilizations of Ancient Africa is a comprehensive book that explores the rich history of Africa, particularly the forgotten kingdoms of the continent. This book is a combination of two manuscripts that provide an insight into the smaller kingdoms of ancient Africa, such as the Kingdom of Kush, the Land of Punt, Carthage, the Kingdom of Aksum, and the Mali Empire with its Timbuktu. The book sheds light on the cultural fusion that is unique to the continent and the polarity of Africa that can be traced to ancient times. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the history of ancient African civilizations.

Ethiopian Bible: History of the Oldest and most Complete Bible on Earth

Okpoyo, Joseph
Jun 19, 2022
Ethiopian Bible: History of the Oldest and most Complete Bible on Earth Cover
Ethiopian Bible: History of the Oldest and most Complete Bible on Earth

The Ethiopian Bible is a fascinating historical account of the oldest and most complete Bible on earth. Written on goat skin in the early Ethiopian language of Ge’ez, this Bible is also the world's first illustrated Christian Bible. Despite its significance, it is often overlooked in discussions about ancient religious texts. This book sheds light on the history and significance of the Ethiopian Bible, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of its importance in East African history. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of religious texts and their impact on culture and society.

#TOP 8

Understanding Ethiopia's Tigray War

Plaut, Martin
Vaughan, Sarah
May 15, 2023
Understanding Ethiopia's Tigray War Cover
Understanding Ethiopia's Tigray War

"Understanding Ethiopia's Tigray War" is a timely and groundbreaking exploration of the ongoing conflict in the Ethiopian province of Tigray. The book provides a deep understanding of the war's history, current events, and the human suffering involved. It highlights the deliberate strategy of the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments to crush the Tigrayans at any cost, leading to a famine in the region. The author's trenchant analysis and concern for human suffering make this book essential for understanding the tragic war in northern Ethiopia. This book is a vital contribution to the understanding of a devastating but largely hidden conflict, which could well prove to be a defining moment, not just for Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, but for the whole continent."

#TOP 9

Citizens and Subjects of the Italian Colonies (Routledge Studies in Modern History)

Berhe, Simona
De Napoli, Olindo
Dec 31, 2021
Citizens and Subjects of the Italian Colonies (Routledge Studies in Modern History) Cover
Citizens and Subjects of the Italian Colonies (Routledge Studies in Modern History)

This book explores the complex dynamics of citizenship and subjecthood in Italian colonialism. It provides an unprecedented account of the different policies of citizenship implemented in the Italian colonies and the various responses of the local populations in terms of resistance, negotiation, and construction of social identity. The cases of Eritrea, Libya, Dodecanese, Ethiopia, and Albania confirm that citizenship and subjecthood in the colonial context were ductile political tools. This is a must-read for those interested in Italian colonialism and its impact on the colonial societies.

#TOP 10

Ethiopia and the Origin of Civilization

Jackson, John G.
Martino Fine Books
Mar 16, 2017
Ethiopia and the Origin of Civilization Cover
Ethiopia and the Origin of Civilization

This reprint of the 1939 edition titled "Ethiopia and the Origin of Civilization" is a thought-provoking essay that highlights the significant influence of Ethiopia in the history of civilization. The author, Jackson, argues that mainstream historians and scholars have either misunderstood or intentionally ignored Ethiopia's contributions to the development of human civilization. Jackson supports his claims with research from archaeology, comparative religion, history, and classical antiquity. This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in African history and the origins of civilization.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the first book in Ethiopia?

(The story is about Waḥed and his sister Ṭobia.) Author:- Afework Gebreyesus / አፈወርቅ ገ/ኢየሱስ 1908, Rome.

2. What is the most important text of the history of Ethiopia?

The Book of Enoch in particular is notable since its complete text has survived in no other language.

Editor's Notes

During our ethiopia history book research, we found 827 ethiopia history book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,383 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ethiopia history books list. We found that most customers choose ethiopia history books with an average price of $16.30.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.