Asante Identities

History and Modernity in an African Village, 1850-1950

TC McCaskie editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Edinburgh University Press

Published:23rd Mar '01

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Asante Identities cover

This book provides an in-depth exploration of life in an Asante village, highlighting themes of identity and agency during colonial times.

In Asante Identities, readers are invited to explore the rich tapestry of life in the Asante village of Ade Beba, located in West Africa. This narrative unfolds over a century marked by significant change, offering insights primarily through the voices of the villagers themselves. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the Asante culture, which has been a focal point of study within sub-Saharan Africa, and it pushes the boundaries of African historiography to new heights.

The text delves into the complexities of selfhood, identity, and agency as the Asante people navigated the tumultuous era of European colonialism. By presenting a closely focused historical study, Asante Identities sheds light on how the local populace engaged with and responded to external pressures, thereby enriching the discourse surrounding African identities. The narrative is not only a historical account but also a reflection on broader themes that resonate with contemporary concerns.

As a significant contribution to African studies, this book offers a depth of historical analysis that appeals to both specialists and general readers alike. It addresses issues that have been previously overlooked, making it a vital resource for historians, social scientists, and anyone interested in the dynamics of culture and identity. Asante Identities is part of the International African Library series, which underscores its importance in the field of African Studies.

It is difficult to put it down! The well-told stories, the wealth of information on subjects that are lamentably absent in most African historiography, and above all the successful attempt to put them in a meaningful context make it an outstanding piece of history. I know of no monograph on Africa that has combined analysis and empirical detail so succesfully. This book deserves to serve as a model for future Africanist historiography A study at the cutting edge of historical methodology. A wonderfully detailed portrait of life in nineteenth-century and twentieth-century Asante as it was experienced by villagers caught up in an era of rapid and chaotic developments..not only scholars of Asante, but all African social historians, would benefit from a close reading of Asante Identities. It is difficult to put it down! The well-told stories, the wealth of information on subjects that are lamentably absent in most African historiography, and above all the successful attempt to put them in a meaningful context make it an outstanding piece of history. I know of no monograph on Africa that has combined analysis and empirical detail so succesfully. This book deserves to serve as a model for future Africanist historiography A study at the cutting edge of historical methodology. A wonderfully detailed portrait of life in nineteenth-century and twentieth-century Asante as it was experienced by villagers caught up in an era of rapid and chaotic developments..not only scholars of Asante, but all African social historians, would benefit from a close reading of Asante Identities.

ISBN: 9780748615100

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 379g

288 pages