The vast continent of Africa is a land of enormous diversity. Bever explores the history of Africa from the origin of one of the oldest civilizations in the world to the present-day challenges of race relations, politics, and economic development. The book covers many of the forces that have shaped this continent, such as the influence of Islam, the consequences of European rule, and the political contributions of native African peoples. Africa's independence from European colonial rule is also discussed, as are the remarkable events leading to the end of Apartheid.