Editor’s Foreword (Jon Woronoff)
Acknowledgments
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Maps
Chronology
Introduction
The Dictionary
Appendix A: French Colonial Governors, 1880-1960
Appendix B: Heads of State of Independent Congo, 1960-2012
Bibliography
About the Authors
John F. Clark is professor of politics and international relations
at Florida International University; he specializes in the politics
and foreign policies of francophone Central Africa.
Samuel Decalo is professor of Political Science at the University
of Natal and visiting professor at the University of Florida in
Gainesville.
Clark and Decalo present a comprehensive resource on all things
Congolese. While the title is heavy on the political, the country’s
history from around 500 CE through the 1960 declaration of
independence and civil wars of the past decade, culture, and
economic system are additional focus points. More than 700
cross-referenced entries account for the bulk of this one-volume
gem, and are accompanied by an introduction, a chronology, and
ready-reference appendixes. VERDICT Given that this book also
features an extensive bibliography, it forms an outstanding entrée
for those interested in the country.
*Library Journal*
This dictionary, along with any volume in this long-running quality
series, is suitable for the reference collections of all academic
and large public libraries, and those special collections dealing
with Africa.
*American Reference Books Annual*
In this fourth edition (3rd ed., Historical Dictionary of Congo, by
Decalo, V. Thompson, and R. Adloff, CH, Mar'97, 34-3627), Clark
(Florida International Univ.) and Decalo (Univ. of Florida)
continue with the 1997 return to power of President Sassou-Nguesso,
detail the outbreak of several civil wars, and address the impact
of improving economic conditions due to petroleum exports. Like
other titles in the "Historical Dictionaries of Africa" series,
this work has four main sections--an introduction, a chronology, a
dictionary, and a bibliography. The introduction provides a concise
overview of Congolese history with an emphasis on postcolonial
politics and the economy. Similarly, the chronology, which begins
c. 500, is much more detailed after Congo emerges as an independent
country. The dictionary features more than 700 cross-referenced
entries that cover prominent individuals, ethnic groups, companies
and organizations, relations with other countries, and general
topics such as agriculture, education, industry, religion,
transportation, and women. Again, the focus is on the last five
decades. Of particular value is the extensive bibliography, which
is arranged in sections that cover history, politics, economics,
society, and culture. The many references to French sources will be
extremely helpful to researchers. Summing Up: Recommended.
*CHOICE*
In its fourth edition, J .F. Clark's Historical Dictionary of
Republic of the Congo adds considerably to the previous work of
Virginia Thomson, Richard Adloff and Samuel Decalo and makes an
important contribution to a small body of English language
scholarship on a country that, in the words of the series’ editor,
Jon Woronoff, had more than enough “history” for one of Africa's
smallest countries. . .Structurally, the dictionary faithfully
retains the organization of its predecessors. . .[There] are
hundreds of alphabetically ordered, clearly written dictionary
entries. . . .Clark's detailed research and updates result in an
excellent reference book that will appeal to casual readers,
students as well as researchers wishing to explore an aspect of
Congolese history or locate additional literature in English and
the French language. As such, it is a highly recommended addition
to both public and academic library reference collections.
*s*
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