Overview

The Central African Republic (CAR) came into existence on 1 December 1958 as a semi-autonomous member state of the Communaute (French Community), meaning that France still controlled its currency, defense, foreign affairs and national security. The history of the CAR can be interpreted in radically different ways. One the one hand the people of Central Africa have suffered enormously at the hands of slave traders, concessionary companies, French colonialists and African rulers, and their country remains largely 'undeveloped.' On the other most Central Africans have retained free use of land on which they grow crops and from which they extract numerous valuable resources. Their way of life is in the long run perhaps more sustainable than those of the 'experts' who come to assist them. The theme of essential continuity in the history of the CAR is as important, if not more important in the long run, than the themes of violent change, exploitation, and enduring dependence. Deep roots of continuity provide a surprising stability in the face of dramatic and often very painful change on the surface. The Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 1200 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Central African Republic.

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9780810879911

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For libraries with African and/or Africana studies programs. American Reference Books Annual

For libraries with African and/or Africana studies programs. American Reference Books Annual [T]his is an outstanding work. Brief literature searches have revealed no similar historically focused book, and it must be considered the most authoritative and detailed general reference source on the CAR available in the English language... Libraries that specialise in African studies will almost certainly want to acquire this new edition, especially if one or more of the three previous editions are in stock. Rowman & Littlefield's historical dictionaries of specific countries are often most valuable where the country is little known and there is a paucity of other reference material. This is certainly the case for the CAR and we should be grateful to the publisher for their persistence in continuing to produce this and similar such dictionaries. Reference Reviews

Author Information

Richard A. Bradshaw (1950-2014) a world history professor at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. A former Peace Corps in the Central African Republic (CAR) from 1977 to 1984, his publications and fields of study included the CAR history culture, ethnobotany and Suma language. Juan Fandos-Rius is an independent scholar who has written extensively on the Central African Republic (CAR). He studied in Ohio, United States before studying law at University Jaume I in Castellon, Spain. He traveled to the CAR and has written articles on the CAR flag history, noted people biographies, ethnic groups, children's issues and political parties.

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