Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia

Second Edition

David H. Shinn and Thomas P. Ofcansky

Ethiopia is clearly one of the most important countries in Africa. First of all, with about 75 million people, it is the third most populous country in Africa. Second, it is very strategically located, in the Horn of Africa and bordering Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, with some of whom it has touchy and sometimes worse relations. Yet, its capital – Addis Ababa – is the headquarters of the African Union, the prime meeting place for Africa’s leaders. So, if things went poorly in Ethiopia, this would not be good for Africa, and for a long time this was the case, with internal disruption rife, until it was literally suppressed under the strong rule of the recently deceased Meles Zenawi.

The Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia, Second Edition covers the history of Ethiopia through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has several hundred 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 Ethiopia.

Scarecrow Press

Pages: 692 • Trim: 6½ x 9¼

978-0-8108-7194-6 • Hardback • April 2013 • $239.00 • (£185.00)

978-0-8108-7457-2 • eBook • April 2013 • $227.00 • (£177.00)

Series: Historical Dictionaries of Africa

Subjects: History / Africa / Central

Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia

Second Edition

Hardback

eBook

Summary

Ethiopia is clearly one of the most important countries in Africa. First of all, with about 75 million people, it is the third most populous country in Africa. Second, it is very strategically located, in the Horn of Africa and bordering Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, with some of whom it has touchy and sometimes worse relations. Yet, its capital – Addis Ababa – is the headquarters of the African Union, the prime meeting place for Africa’s leaders. So, if things went poorly in Ethiopia, this would not be good for Africa, and for a long time this was the case, with internal disruption rife, until it was literally suppressed under the strong rule of the recently deceased Meles Zenawi.

The Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia, Second Edition covers the history of Ethiopia through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has several hundred 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 Ethiopia.

Details

Scarecrow Press

Pages: 692 • Trim: 6½ x 9¼

978-0-8108-7194-6 • Hardback • April 2013 • $239.00 • (£185.00)

978-0-8108-7457-2 • eBook • April 2013 • $227.00 • (£177.00)

Series: Historical Dictionaries of Africa

Subjects: History / Africa / Central

Author

David H. Shinn served in the American Foreign service for 37 years, many of them dealing with the Horn of Africa. He was the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia from 1996 to 1999. More recently he was teaching at the Elliott School of International Affairs.

Thomas P. Ofcansky has held a number of academic and government positions, most recently with the Bureau of Intelligence and Research Africa Division at the U.S. Department of State. He also co-authored the Historical Dictionary of Kenya and the Historical Dictionary of Tanzania.

Reviews

The authors David H. Shinn and Thomas P. Ofcansky provide the reader with a concise yet scholarly treatment of the history and related subjects germane to the country of Ethiopia. The Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia outlines essential information on a wide array of subjects, including, but not limited to the history, culture, religion, and politics of this African country. In a series of short to medium length essays, the user is presented with a myriad of facts, dates, philosophical, and political observations, which go beyond the normal pedantic coverage that characterizes other historical dictionaries. An outstanding feature of this text is its over 200-page bibliography of sources, which is extremely helpful to academic researchers and students wishing to further their knowledge of the historical nomenclature of Ethiopia and its people. The dictionary also provides maps, chronology tables, and appendixes as well as numerous cross-references following each essay. This work is highly recommended for both college and high school collections looking to enhance their African studies area.
— American Reference Books Annual

Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia

Second Edition

David H. Shinn and Thomas P. Ofcansky

Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia

Second Edition

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