A Fistful of Shells : West Africa from the Rise of the Slave Trade to the Age of Revolution by Toby Green 9780141977669

A Fistful of Shells : West Africa from the Rise of the Slave Trade to the Age of Revolution

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A Fistful of Shells: West Africa from the Rise of the Slave Trade to the Age of Revolution by Toby Green is an extraordinary exploration that redefines our understanding of West and West-Central Africa's rich history.

This groundbreaking work unveils the intricate connections of a region deeply intertwined with the global economy long before the notorious 19th-century 'Scramble for Africa.' With meticulous research, Green illustrates how West Africa's wealth in gold and its sophisticated kingdoms engaged with Europeans from the 15th century onward.

Through a compelling narrative, the book highlights:

  • The significance of trade, diplomacy, and cultural richness in shaping West Africa's past.
  • How currencies like cowrie shells played a vital role in these interactions.
  • The balance of power shifts caused by the escalation of the slave trade.

Green’s narrative dives deep into a world shaped by wars, taxation, artistic production, and religious beliefs, drawing fascinating parallels to European counterparts. This book has received outstanding acclaim, being described as “astonishing” by Ben Okri in the Daily Telegraph. It has also been shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including:

  • The Wolfson History Prize
  • The Cundill History Prize
  • The Los Angeles Times Book Prize

Moreover, it has won notable accolades such as the Historical Writers' Association Non-Fiction Crown 2020 and the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2019. Experience a compelling narrative that reshapes your understanding of one of the world's most significant regions. Dive into the pages of A Fistful of Shells and uncover the rich history that has shaped our global landscape.

Product Information

ISBN: 9780141977669
Author: Toby Green
Format: Paperback / softback
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions: 129 x 196 x 28 mm
Publication Date: 30 January, 2020
Pagination: 656 pages
Weight: 444g

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Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

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