The influence of Aristotle, the prince of philosophers, on the intellectual history of the West is second to none. In this book Jonathan Barnes examines Aristotle's scientific researches, his discoveries in logic and his metaphysical theories, his work in psychology and in ethics and politics, and his ideas about art and poetry, placing his teachings in their historical context. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles i...

Flamboyant Matthew Cannonbridge was touched by genius, the most influential mind of the 19th century, a novelist, playwright, the poet of his generation. The only problem is, he should never have existed, and recently divorced 21st century don Toby Judd is the only person to realise something is wrong with history.Cannonbridge was everywhere: he was by Lake Geneva when talk between Byron, Shelley and Mary Godwin turned to the supernatural; he was friend to the young Dickens as he l...

Mischief, Magic, Love and War.It is the Year of Our Lord 1601. The Tuscan War rages across the world, and every lord from Navarre to Illyria is embroiled in the fray. Cannon roar, pikemen clash, and witches stalk the night; even the fairy courts stand on the verge of chaos.Five stories come together at the end of the war: that of bold Miranda and sly Puck; of wise Pomona and her prisoner Vertumnus; of gentle Lucia and the shade of Prospero; of noble Don Ped...

19th Century London in all its weird and grimy glory. Reality is peeling slowly away like an old circus fly-poster. The clock is ticking towards the City's doom, but it will come in a stranger guise than you, in your wildest literary fever dreams, could ever conceive of . . .Enter, if you dare, the puzzle-box story of Victorian magician-detective Edward Moon and his silent side-kick the Somnambulist. Follow them as they spiral deep into a world of secret societies, a travelling cir...

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the life, work, and legacy of Samora Machel, the first President of Mozambique, exploring his contributions to the liberation movement, his leadership in post-independence Mozambique, and the challenges the country faced during and after his tenure. Through 20 chapters, the narrative unfolds his transformation from a guerrilla leader in the struggle against Portuguese colonial rule to the head of a newly independent socialist nation. It del...

The Darfur conflict, which began in 2003, stands as one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of the 21st century. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict's origins, dynamics, and aftermath, examining the complex interplay of historical grievances, political marginalization, environmental stress, and ethnic identity. The conflict, rooted in long-standing disputes over land, water, and political representation, escalated into a brutal war marked by mass atrocities...

This work explores the intellectual history of apartheid in South Africa, focusing on the key concepts, ideas, and historical developments that shaped the system of racial segregation and its eventual dismantling. The study examines the roots of apartheid, its ideological foundations, and the various intellectual responses from both within South Africa and abroad. Central to the discussion are the roles of political leaders, theologians, and intellectuals in resisting apartheid, particular...

This book explores the complex and multifaceted history of Mozambique, with a particular focus on the period of Portuguese colonial rule, the struggle for independence, and the post-independence challenges faced by the nation. It provides an in-depth analysis of the social, political, and economic systems that shaped Mozambique during colonial times, examining the exploitation of labor, the impact of forced labor systems, the establishment of concessionary companies, and the cultural excha...

This comprehensive study explores the history, achievements, and challenges of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) from its inception in 1963 to its transformation into the African Union (AU) in 2002. The OAU was established with the primary goals of promoting Pan-African unity, supporting decolonization efforts, defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African states, and fostering economic and social development. Through an in-depth analysis of key events and themes—suc...

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical, political, economic, cultural, and social evolution of African societies, examining their transitions from precolonial times through the impacts of colonialism to the present-day challenges and opportunities of the postcolonial era. It delves into Africa's rich and diverse traditions, addressing the complexities of modernity, globalization, and the enduring effects of colonialism that continue to shape the continent. The chapt...

In The Role of Religion in the African Nationalist Movement, Jonathan Barnes offers a groundbreaking exploration of how religion—both indigenous African traditions and external influences like Christianity and Islam—shaped the struggle for independence across the African continent. From the rise of Islamic jihad movements to the Christian-inspired moral resistance against colonial rule, Barnes weaves a narrative that shows how religious ideologies fueled African resistance, formed...

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the complex and often tragic history of the Great Lakes region of Africa, focusing on the underlying causes and consequences of conflict, the challenges to governance, and the struggles for peace, justice, and development. Spanning multiple countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the narrative traces the region's colonial history, the emergence of ethnic and political tensions, and the devasta...