This book is intended to replace Daniel McCall's classic Africa in Time Perspective as the basic introduction to professional writing of African history for the next generation and as a reference for professionals and anyone who wants to understand the various ways in which African history is written. McCall's book was written in the 1960s, when African history was still a new field of research. It thus presented a very brief summary of the major methods and sources then in use. This book reflects the development of African history since that time. It opens with a comprehensive introduction by Daniel McCall himself, followed by a chapter by the editor explaining what African history is (and is not) in the context of historical theory and the broader development of historical narrative, the humanities and social sciences.
