The World and a Very Small Place in Africa: A History of Globalization in Niumi SYNOPSIS
Wright (history, State U. of New York-Cortland) emphasizes how a steady widening of Niumi's world and its relationships with world systems over the last seven or eight centuries has affected the lives of people living there. In addition to covering the standard elements of economic, social, and political history, he has incorporated newer concerns in world and African history such as transnational and cross-cultural influences, environmental and biological issues, matters pertaining to women, and the effects of globalization on the world's poor. The first edition appeared in 1997; the second benefits from his 2003 visit to the region. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Wright (history, SUNY) blends detailed local history with global systems theory to illuminate the changing economic and political fortunes of a small group of people in Niumi, a small area at the mouth of the Gambia river in West Africa (now called The Gambia). Over a period of 450 years, Niumi has increasingly merged with ever-wider economies. Wright traces how the state adapted over time to both opportunity and exploitation. As Niumi was the homeland of the central character in Alex Haley's Roots, the book may find a wider readership than most academic studies. Recommended for larger public and academic libraries.-Bill Rau, Takoma Park, Md.
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