Mau Mau: An African Crucible - Softcover

Edgerton, Robert B.

3.38

34 ratings by Goodreads

9780345369789: Mau Mau: An African Crucible

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345369785 ISBN 13: 9780345369789

Publisher: Ballantine Books, 1991

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

The Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950s was portrayed as the work of a primitive cult who exercised violence against white settlers in Kenya. Edgerton shows that in reality the Mau Mau were a national liberation army like many others that rose up against the British in the twilight of Empire. 8-page photo insert.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From Library Journal:

Mau Mau, the rebellion in Kenya in the early 1950s, has been extensively documented. Edgerton (anthropology, psychiatry, UCLA) proposes to analyze why and how the Mau Mau fought, why the settlers and Europeans reacted as they did, and what lessons might be learned as battles for land and freedom continue the world over. The author is at his best in exploring the motivation of soldiers on both sides. No radically new material is introduced, but an attempt is made to describe the motives and actions of all parties. Edgerton concludes that the primary cause of Mau Mau was the actions of the white settler community and that the excesses of the settlers went far beyond those of the Mau Mau. Not to be read for Kenyan history, as some major factors are barely mentioned and shallowly treated, this will be appreciated by individuals interested in insurrections growing out of inequality and injustice, whether in Africa or elsewhere. For informed laypersons and general readers.
- Maidel Cason, Univ . of Delaware, Newark
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Portrayed in Western media as a terroristic outbreak of indiscriminate maimings and killings, the Kikuyu rebellion against British settlers in Kenya in 1952-56 is skillfully described and analyzed by a UCLA anthropologist-psychiatrist who has interviewed many participants. Edgerton explains the racially superior attitudes and practices of Kenya's whites that provoked the Mau Mau intimidation, arson and violence, as well as the fact that many of the rebels were ordinary people who did not commit brutal acts but fought as well for political freedom, economic opportunity and social justice.the brutal rebels didn't want these things also?/does inclusion of "as well" above do it for you?gs/yes,lk Ironically, most activists gained nothing, and independent Kenya, the author notes, is dominated by a black elite who either didn't fight or who fought against the rebellion.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.