Book Review: Africa: An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society

Abstract

Africa: An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society was created to “challenge stereotypes and assumptions and invite the reader into the world of African Studies” (vii) by featuring entries written by over fifty scholars, experts in African Studies or related fields who “have lived in Africa or are Africans, themselves. . . . The voice of Africa’s people is alive and well in these volumes” (viii). The originality and diversity of voices represented in this three-volume series is a positive and unique feature of this encyclopedia, but may not be enough to inspire acquisition, for some, in light of questions of the efficacy of these volumes as a quality reference work.