Bioliographic Information on Slavery and Colonial Rule in...

Bibliographic Information: Klein, Martin A., Slavery And Colonial Rule in French West Africa, 1998, Cambridge University Press The book bears importance in being one of the few studies about domestic slavery within the French West Africa. It contributes to the field of study, by elaborating on the importance of slavery in Senegal, Sudan and Guinea in Africa’s development. The period of the study lies from 1876 to 1922, wherein Klein ultimately shows the evolution of slavery. In the years prior to 1876, Klein argued that slavery had an economic and social significance in societies. There are two themes which form a major part of the book. They include: the conflict between the French in the metropole and the French in Africa; and the†¦show more content†¦Due to the social taboo of being an ex-slave (or of slave heritage), there are ex-slaves who are afraid to mention their backgrounds to Klein. This obviously leads to a limitation of evidence, which perhaps makes it difficult for the reader to form an idea on what slavery was fully like. Despite this, Klein shows admiration for those of slave backgrounds in portraying them as being spurred on by past oppressions, to achieve a better life than those with master backgrounds. To further his arguments, Klein uses secondary sources as a basis to criticize traditional arguments. Apart from the deep historical analysis and the descriptive historical events (which aid in backing up Klein’s knowledge and deep research in the field), the book’s structure is significant. In terms of illustrations, Klein uses maps, figures and pictures. Maps are an essential part of the book in providing vivid ideas on where battles occurred or which societies were based where. In this case, his writings and the maps form a symbiotic relationship, in that the reader can understand the context through the use of maps and his writing (clear up properly). Each chapter is structured in a way that allows the reader to navigate around the chapter and read the relevant information. All chapters include an introductory section (aimed at outlining the key points of the chapter in question) and a conclusion (aimed at summarising and tying together the