âA magnificent, epic look at the history of the region. . . . A monumental contribution to the annals of Congo scholarshipâ (Christian Science Monitor). The International Bestseller From the beginnings of the slave trade through colonization, the struggle for independence, Mobutu's brutal three decades of rule, and the civil war that has raged from 1996 to the present day, Congo: The Epic History of a People traces the history of one of the most devastated nations in the world. Esteemed scholar David Van Reybrouck balances hundreds of interviews with a diverse range of Congolese with meticulous historical research to construct a multidimensional portrait of a nation and its people. Epic in scope yet eminently readable, both penetrating and deeply moving, Congoâa finalist for the Cundill Prizeâtakes a deeply humane approach to political history, focusing squarely on the Congolese perspective, and returns a nationâs history to its people. âA compelling mixture of literary and oral history that delivers an authentic story of how European colonialism, African resistance, and the endless exploitation of natural resources affected the lives of the Congolese.â âBooklist âA vivid panorama of one of the most tormented lands in the world.â âWashington Post
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