Affairs of West Africa

A sweeping, meticulously researched portrait of West Africa at the turn of the twentieth century, this work draws listeners into the bustling markets, river journeys, and frontier outposts that defined the region’s commercial heart. The author blends first‑hand observations with reports from newspapers, scientific societies, and colonial officials, offering a clear picture of how British and French interests shaped trade in palm oil, rubber, mahogany, and cotton, while also probing the lives of the Hausa, Fulani, Ibo, and other peoples who drove the economy.

Beyond commodities, the narrative examines the social and political currents that accompanied imperial expansion—sanitary reforms, land tenure disputes, the impact of Islam, and the complex web of rivalries between European powers. Interspersed with vivid illustrations and maps, the book invites listeners to hear the voices of merchants, administrators, and travelers, all while framing the challenges and opportunities that marked a pivotal era in West African history.