Short description
Surveying the evolution of the oldest African nation from prehistoric to modern times, this study demonstrates that there is more to Ethiopia's existence than colonial logic. It shows how geography, economics and culture have served to unite Ethiopians against fractionalization.
Long description
In this concise history of Ethiopia, Harold Marcus surveys the evolution of the oldest African nation from prehistory to the present. This study demonstrates that there is more to Ethiopia's existence than colonial logic. It shows how geography, economics and culture have served to unite Ethiopians against fractionalization. For the updated edition, Marcus has written a new preface, two new chapters and an epilogue, detailing the development and implications of Ethiopia as a Federal state and the war with Eritrea.
Review
"With remarkable precision and a sensible balance, Marcus has described the multiple and often contradictory and intersecting forces that have molded Ethiopia's rugged history. In his ambitious attempt to give a comprehensive account, he has paid considerable attention to broader social, economic, and cultural developments.... Marcus has given us a concise yet complete overview of Ethiopia's history." - Gebru Tareke, American Historical Review "That a country with Ethiopia's historical record should have been so neglected is astonishing, and Harold Marcus is to be congratulated on taking up the challenge...this is a valuable contribution to Ethiopian historiography, which provides a useful and much-needed overview of current knowledge." - Christopher Clapham, International Journal of African Historical Studies