Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali Review

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 · 372 ratings  · 54 reviews

Showtime your review of Mansa Musa and the Empire of Republic of mali

When I was in the ninth standard,for reasons unknown to me,the African history was deleted out of the syllabus.Then when I saw a documentary on National Geographic,I was angry at schoolhouse management for keeping u.s.a. in the dark about the richest human in the globe.Then,I picked up this volume on Amazon and when I started reading it,I found myself back in my history class.The purpose of the book is to educate more and more history buffs most Mansa Musa.The words used are unproblematic and the maps and drawings one thousand When I was in the ninth standard,for reasons unknown to me,the African history was deleted out of the syllabus.So when I saw a documentary on National Geographic,I was aroused at school management for keeping u.s.a. in the dark about the richest man in the earth.And then,I picked up this volume on Amazon and when I started reading information technology,I constitute myself back in my history class.The purpose of the book is to educate more and more history buffs about Mansa Musa.The words used are simple and the maps and drawings brand a lasting impression.P.James Oliver seems to be one of the best history teachers.And there lies the simply trouble with the book.The disquisitional appraisement of Mansa Musa is missing.Hence,he is shown to be a perfect male monarch but his shortcomings have not been mentioned.Coming to the rating part,I think the author has tried well to bring to light the times of Mansa Musa but over simplified the story.Hence,I rate the volume as 4 stars. ...more

3.five stars

This was a very brusque read and I read it in a affair of a couple of hours. It is a very basic account of the life of Mansa Musa who was emperor of the Mali empire during its Golden Age.

I believe this is mostly aimed at a younger audience as the linguistic communication, item and descriptions are generally quite uncomplicated. This would kaye it bonny to students who are interested in African empires.

Whilst it is good, I feel it doesn't really tell me much about the Mali empire or Musa. Most of the st

3.5 stars

This was a very short read and I read it in a matter of a couple of hours. It is a very basic account of the life of Mansa Musa who was emperor of the Mali empire during its Golden Age.

I believe this is more often than not aimed at a younger audience as the linguistic communication, detail and descriptions are generally quite simple. This would kaye it attractive to students who are interested in African empires.

Whilst it is good, I feel it doesn't really tell me much most the Mali empire or Musa. Most of the story was his Hajj journey.

...more

October 05, 2018 Laura rated information technology liked it

I give it 3.5 stars, but this is a book for younger readers. Anyone who like me was expecting a historic account will be disappointed. This is a carefully woven story of the Emperor of Mali, undoubtedly following real sources, but to be read every bit a serial of short simplified capacity. It does however requite a brilliant insight into the life and times of this great homo, once again challenging European centric history and revealing the great civilisations in the continent of Africa that preceded Europ I give it 3.5 stars, but this is a book for younger readers. Anyone who like me was expecting a celebrated business relationship will exist disappointed. This is a advisedly woven story of the Emperor of Mali, undoubtedly following existent sources, simply to be read every bit a series of short simplified chapters. It does however give a bright insight into the life and times of this great man, one time again challenging European centric history and revealing the nifty civilisations in the continent of Africa that preceded European growth. I particularly enjoyed the many references to scholarly sources that I shall be following up on. information technology only makes me desire to visit Mali asap! ...more

A thoroughly enjoyable, if very cursory, introduction to a great, and in the West largely unknown, ruler and the edifice of his empire - Mansa Musa of Mali. The glossary in fact contains even more than engrossing facts than the story itself - which is aimed at immature readers. Besides comes with a comprehensive bibliography for further reading, which I will definitely be venturing into to larn more of this fascinating period of history.

May 08, 2020 Jack Greenwood rated it really liked it

A refreshing, empowering, wondrous unearthing of fact.

READ THIS SENTENCE: These complex, well-organised systems provided Mali's people with a standard of living that was, in terms of food, personal safety, freedom, comparable to or ameliorate than that establish in contemporary Europe. Doesn't that just sound dandy? It'south the audio of the decolonisation of history in full swing.

This is the beautifully written short tale of Mansa Musa, Emperor of the Kingdom of Mali, who presided over an unprecedented g

A refreshing, empowering, wondrous unearthing of fact.

READ THIS Sentence: These complex, well-organised systems provided Mali'due south people with a standard of living that was, in terms of food, personal safety, freedom, comparable to or amend than that institute in contemporary Europe. Doesn't that only sound cracking? Information technology'south the sound of the decolonisation of history in full swing.

This is the beautifully written short tale of Mansa Musa, Emperor of the Kingdom of Mali, who presided over an unprecedented golden historic period in Due west Africa. Musa, a devout Muslim, travelled across the Sahara, along with a caravan of thousands of followers from Niani to Mecca, distributing untold riches on his way.

The book goes someway to dispelling the myth that the almost significant event in W African history was the arrival of Europeans and the commencement of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. A myth our national curriculum has been painfully complicit in promoting. In my experience it's a narrative that is obscured from even history teachers themselves, although finally it is beginning to exist eradicated by a re-emphasis on mod scholarship.

A very like shooting fish in a barrel read, only backed upwards by a comprehensive bibliography, it's a great way to introduce children to an engaging story grounded in truth. That said, if y'all're an adult, yous most likely oasis't heard of Mansa either, and should definitely grab a re-create too. I just wish it was longer.

...more

Feb 07, 2015 Eileen rated it really liked it

The book was such a pleasant read. I takes you dorsum to ancient Mali at the fourth dimension when the empire flourished. I learnt of the empires of Songhai and Mali in history class with Sundiata existence the most prominent name in my retentivity but this book was suggested on Goodreads based on my reading interests and I figured it would be worthwhile read. The writing is very narrative –imagine your grandad telling yous a story of great rulers, discoveries and riches - like beautiful oral history.

I would recommend

The volume was such a pleasant read. I takes you back to ancient Mali at the fourth dimension when the empire flourished. I learnt of the empires of Songhai and Mali in history course with Sundiata existence the most prominent name in my memory just this volume was suggested on Goodreads based on my reading interests and I figured it would be worthwhile read. The writing is very narrative –imagine your grandpa telling yous a story of bully rulers, discoveries and riches - like beautiful oral history.

I would recommend this for anyone middle school age and above. It is an enchanting history of African culture not often told or remembered. I just found out through a friends facebook that the history channel will exist doing a segment on Mansa Musa so that is something I will definitely exist watching for a more in-depth account. I couldn't notice any data on the author P. James Oliver but the accounts in the book seemed to be well researched and all sources are highlighted at the end.

world wide web.informalguides.com

...more than

We thoroughly enjoyed this addition to our study of the countries of Africa. Information technology'due south and then good to learn near wealth, cultural advances, and leadership skills of African people instead of painting an entire continent as poor and third-world. We thoroughly enjoyed this addition to our study of the countries of Africa. Information technology's and so proficient to learn about wealth, cultural advances, and leadership skills of African people instead of painting an entire continent as poor and 3rd-globe. ...more than

Aug 20, 2018 Sportyrod rated it really liked it

Mansa Musa was the Emperor of the Malinese Empire in the early 1300'south. His leadership brought the Empire into a Golden Age. A generous and seemingly fair leader, he achieved greatness not merely due to his war machine prowess and expansion of land only his emphasis on culture and architecture.

Ane chemical element of the story entails a journey across the Sahara. The extravagence of his pilgrimage was then awe-inspiring that people flocked to see this foreign ruler and his entourage. His flaunted power and wealt

Mansa Musa was the Emperor of the Malinese Empire in the early 1300'south. His leadership brought the Empire into a Gilt Age. A generous and seemingly fair leader, he achieved greatness non only due to his military machine prowess and expansion of state but his emphasis on culture and architecture.

1 element of the story entails a journey beyond the Sahara. The extravagence of his pilgrimage was so awe-inspiring that people flocked to see this foreign ruler and his entourage. His flaunted power and wealth saw international interest in trade and commerce to what was previously a country so distant it was unchartered for many years.

This volume was short. It independent illustrations of maps, cave fine art, architecture, canoes, attire, hairstyles and much more than. A glossary expanded on many of the earlier topics raised.

The feel of the book was more than of a five star rating as it felt like the 'did you know' facts were more prominent than the usual detail that other historical books provide. The end upshot is that the main points to remember stand out, especially that of the University of Sankore, the cave art and the addax as well as the wonder lust of the leader.

What is missing is the in depth expansion of the reign of Mansa Musa, the intricate international relations and political struggles, for example slavery is briefly mentioned as well as being a fair leader. Overall, I am glad that I read this particular book over various others on the same topic as it has added sufficiently to my learning and if I desire to consider farther reading, it isn't hard to do so.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes history, great civilizations and stories about long journeys.

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Interesting and underrated history

I had heard of Mansa Musa existence the richest man in the world but didn't know much about how he became that until reading this book. It's a really good read and tells roundabouts side of Africa y'all don't hear about often.

This book is a very piece of cake read and I accept simply given information technology 4 stars because I would of liked to know a bit more than well-nigh Mansa Musa. This is a book that gives a good introduction to how Africa was earlier slavery and I would recommend it to everyone

Interesting and underrated history

I had heard of Mansa Musa being the richest man in the world but didn't know much about how he became that until reading this book. It's a really good read and tells roundabouts side of Africa you don't hear nearly often.

This volume is a very piece of cake read and I have only given it 4 stars because I would of liked to know a bit more nearly Mansa Musa. This is a volume that gives a skillful introduction to how Africa was before slavery and I would recommend it to everyone

...more

Mali was the identify to be!!

Every bit a blackness American it is truly difficult to observe any substantive (albeit imagined factually)history of aboriginal African civilizations - particularly when you lot start discussing them as a "super power" if their solar day. Years and lack of connectedness to that culture and civilization are impediments to finding any real truth as to how black (Africans) lived prior to the middle passage and slavery. I thoroughly enjoyed reading information technology and will continue to revisit over fourth dimension.

A simple and easy read about emperor Mansa Musa and his Malian Empire. The Malian empire during the time of Mansa Musa was one of the strongest empires in the earth. It is amid the tiptop three greatest empires in Western Africa.

Mansa Musa is famous for the corporeality of aureate he had and for expanding the academy of Sankoye in Timbuktu which is i of the oldest universities in the world. Part of what nosotros know of Mansa Musa is from the written records found in Tumbuktu.

This book on Mansa Musa of Mali is an informative and fascinating read. It would be ideal for centre or high school history form supplemental reading. Also, anyone who would like to learn more virtually this dynamic celebrated African ruler. The narrative was engaging and besides full of so much interesting information.

Oct 15, 2017 Joe rated it did not like it

This is a book for children, but if you want a quick introduction to the Empire of Mali and Mansa Musa that is non wikipedia this is for you. My low rating of this book is entirely because it white washes certain aspects of history for a younger audience.

December 31, 2021 Melissa rated it it was amazing

This review has been subconscious because information technology contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Fascinating account of the life of the Mansa ("emperor") Kankan Musa. Lived during the medieval times, the story begins every bit he comes into power over Mali every bit the Mansa. Nothing is described of his childhood (from what I've gleaned not much is known/no accounts have been kept/survived). Much context and background is included as the story is told (ex: while telling about Musa increasing Mali'southward wealth, the scope of the empire'due south boundaries and norms of its trade routes is included; and a concise hist Fascinating account of the life of the Mansa ("emperor") Kankan Musa. Lived during the medieval times, the story begins as he comes into power over Mali equally the Mansa. Nothing is described of his childhood (from what I've gleaned not much is known/no accounts take been kept/survived). Much context and background is included as the story is told (ex: while telling almost Musa increasing Mali's wealth, the scope of the empire'due south boundaries and norms of its trade routes is included; and a curtailed history of the Muslim practise of making pilgrimage to Mecca and a biography of the prophet Muhammad is provided when Musa travels to Mecca, etc), this is extremely helpful as an uninformed reader to understand the cultural norms and nuance. By the cease I wanted a chapter specifically exploring the politics and governing of Mali nether Mansa Musa and how information technology worked so well for such a vast area of land for a length of time. I encounter parallels in our own guild and wonder if flashing about his wealth before other nations contributed to the ultimate downfall of West Africa and wonder what part Europeans had in that, or was it neighboring nations? Both? Nothing is really explained other than the legacy of Musa following his death. So the catastrophe felt rather abrupt to me—I expected at least some other chapter or 2 or three because at that place were near 30 pages left in the book. Instead, the book ends and the terminal about third of the book is supplemental appendices—a comprehensive glossary with definitions regarding people, places, customs, things etc. An author's note that details his research process, notes regarding sources from within the text itself, and finally a bibliography of the many sources Oliver consulted while researching for his book. Overall a quick read that serves as a great intro to this part of world history, definitely glad I accept a couple more books ordered on this menstruation to flesh out more of the story. I think this would be proficient for kids even, the caveat being that the child is of a discerning age and understanding. I'd be ok handing it to my 11yo, or read it aloud with her. No real content considerations. A note is that Mansa Musa was a devout Muslim so Islam, Allah, and the prophet Muhammad are included in the story; Musa (unsuccessfully) attempted to force the southern gold miners to become Muslims at one point (they rebelled and Musa consented to their demands, thus avoiding plush ceremonious war); Musa had multiple wives, as was the cultural norm; Musa had thousands of what the author terms within the text as servants but details in the glossary that slaves and servants didn't always mean what they are defined as today, and some had rights and lived more than comfortable lives than captured people who were enslaved. It is detailed that in Cairo the Citadel was congenital entirely past the multitude of enslaved ('forced laborers' in the text) European Christians, captured during the Crusades. Early on in the book an chestnut is told of a human being who chained upwards his children that they might not slack off in memorizing the Koran. ...more

A curt biography of Mansa Musa, Emperor of Mali.
Mansa (means the emperor) Musa was the richest emperor of ancient Africa, with a vast empire bigger than modern Western Europe. The book is a short description of his reign, and his visit to Macca with 60,000 followers and huge amount of gold. Just a portion of that pile which was spent in Cairo during his visit, dropped gold's market price significantly for 12 years.
His revolutionized idea behind cultivation, gold mining, gold trading, new style A curt biography of Mansa Musa, Emperor of Republic of mali.
Mansa (ways the emperor) Musa was the richest emperor of aboriginal Africa, with a vast empire bigger than modern Western Europe. The book is a short clarification of his reign, and his visit to Macca with 60,000 followers and huge amount of aureate. Only a portion of that pile which was spent in Cairo during his visit, dropped aureate's market price significantly for 12 years.
His revolutionized idea behind cultivation, gilded mining, gold trading, new style of architecture (a piece is still in Mali and a sample is in the volume encompass), introducing University etc were his dices in menstruation. With heady description of ancient Mali'south society, culture, trade, war and lot on the book is really peachy. ...more than

Read this book

This book provides an engaging narrative of the history of Mansa Musa's reign of an the African Mali empire that rivaled and even surpassed it'due south European counterparts. If y'all are interested in African history or world history in full general to be honest, yous need to get this book. I used the text to speech feature to have it read to me and information technology was a good experience. I learned a lot without actually having to read the text, I just listened.

Read this book

This book provides an engaging narrative of the history of Mansa Musa'southward reign of an the African Republic of mali empire that rivaled and even surpassed it's European counterparts. If you are interested in African history or world history in general to exist honest, you demand to become this book. I used the text to speech feature to accept it read to me and it was a good feel. I learned a lot without actually having to read the text, I just listened.

...more

Although written for a young developed, it is highly engaging and provides substantial information for an introductory read. It is engaging, virtually comical in parts. It runs through of import aspects of Mansa Musa'southward Malian empire without being besides fast nor too deadening. It is a great book! Due to it existence just under 100 pages I would say it is well worth a read even if you don't have a peachy interest in the topic. Saying that, the book highlights the importance of Malian heritage! Although written for a young developed, it is highly engaging and provides substantial information for an introductory read. It is engaging, almost comical in parts. It runs through important aspects of Mansa Musa's Malian empire without being also fast nor likewise slow. Information technology is a slap-up book! Due to it being just nether 100 pages I would say it is well worth a read even if you lot don't have a neat interest in the topic. Saying that, the volume highlights the importance of Malian heritage! ...more

Mar 22, 2020 Marvin rated it liked it

The volume gives a brusk overview over the life of Mansa Musa and his hadj to Mekka. Unfortunately both, the author's style and the illustrations does information technology make a children's book and therefore not really reliable equally a good scientific basic.

Withal the volume has a quite good glossary and an even better bibliography.

The volume gives a short overview over the life of Mansa Musa and his hadj to Mekka. Unfortunately both, the author's fashion and the illustrations does information technology make a children's book and therefore not really reliable every bit a adept scientific basic.

However the book has a quite good glossary and an fifty-fifty ameliorate bibliography.

...more

Sep twenty, 2020 Jambean8 rated it really liked it

Surprised at the short length until I discovered this is written for younger readers. I appreciate the history lesson and the insistence on treating the kingdom of Mali as a true world power in an age where the term "super power" and Africa seem incongruent to each other. History is ameliorate for admission to a story like this. Very accessible to opening eyes that want to be opened. Surprised at the short length until I discovered this is written for younger readers. I capeesh the history lesson and the insistence on treating the kingdom of Republic of mali as a true earth power in an age where the term "super power" and Africa seem incongruent to each other. History is improve for access to a story like this. Very attainable to opening eyes that desire to be opened. ...more

Dec 26, 2020 Jimmy Johnson rated it actually liked information technology

A great read, like many people here I never learned anything nearly this in school. I read it nightly with my twin vi yr olds and they, along with myself were fascinated past it. Highly recommended when you are looking for a story well-nigh Africa that inspires. I am really surprised that more than stories haven't been written virtually this great emperor, he atomic number 82 such an interesting life. A great read, like many people here I never learned annihilation about this in school. I read it nightly with my twin six year olds and they, forth with myself were fascinated by it. Highly recommended when you are looking for a story well-nigh Africa that inspires. I am actually surprised that more stories oasis't been written about this bully emperor, he lead such an interesting life. ...more

Quick, to the point, fun, and very interesting!

Oliver'south brusque history on Mansa Musa and the Golden Age of the Mali Empire is a fantastic read virtually a subject area that history tends to overlook. I would highly recommend this book to any and all people interested in African history or history in general.

Quick, to the point, fun, and very interesting!

Oliver's short history on Mansa Musa and the Golden Age of the Republic of mali Empire is a fantastic read about a subject field that history tends to overlook. I would highly recommend this book to any and all people interested in African history or history in general.

...more

Sep xx, 2021 Nick rated it liked information technology

The book is short, concise and informative. I picked this upward subsequently listening to an episode of the "You're Dead to me" podcast, through no fault of the authors ain the book is a repeat of this. Would have given this book a iv star if I didn't proceed questioning whether it was intended for adults or children. If you have ii hours spare fourth dimension this book will fill a gap in history that is rarely covered. The volume is short, concise and informative. I picked this upwards later on listening to an episode of the "You're Dead to me" podcast, through no error of the authors own the volume is a repeat of this. Would have given this volume a four star if I didn't proceed questioning whether information technology was intended for adults or children. If you accept two hours spare time this book will fill a gap in history that is rarely covered. ...more

January 18, 2018 A rated it it was amazing

A great overview of the life of Mansa Musa and the history of the Empire of Mali. Well-written and easy to read. Although it is impossible to write without bias, I felt that this book didn't have the Eurocentric tone that some history books (especially those written for younger people) might. A groovy overview of the life of Mansa Musa and the history of the Empire of Republic of mali. Well-written and piece of cake to read. Although it is impossible to write without bias, I felt that this book didn't accept the Eurocentric tone that some history books (especially those written for younger people) might. ...more than

Oct 07, 2019 Samuel L rated it information technology was amazing

This book was very informative and an attending grabber. My but complaint was the description of Mansa Munsa's life was as well perfect and flowery. I felt like I was reading a descriptive novel instead of a historical piece of the past.

Very interesting

This book was very interesting. It was well illustrated , informative and kept the reader's attention. It also was dainty how the writer was consistent in the connection of the past to mod mean solar day Africa .

Oct 03, 2020 Nathan rated information technology really liked it

Charming biography of the richest human to ever live. It doesn't get into the super nitty-gritty details but information technology paints such an enlightening pic of a time menstruum and region I knew piffling nearly. Would recommend. Appropriate for all ages. Charming biography of the richest homo to always live. It doesn't become into the super nitty-gritty details but it paints such an enlightening film of a time period and region I knew little about. Would recommend. Appropriate for all ages. ...more than

Definitely a eye grade volume. Curt and unproblematic only a adept overview of the Empire of Mali during the 1300s. It does talk quite a scrap almost the Muslim religion and Amanda Musa'due south pilgrimage to Mecca equally well.

Was looking for a light read. With close to 100 pages this definitely was a non serious read. However it'due south a proficient primal expect at the life of Mansa Musa, whom I personally had no idea well-nigh. So it was fun to larn something new about an interesting personality in an age foretime. Was looking for a light read. With close to 100 pages this definitely was a not serious read. Notwithstanding information technology'south a good key look at the life of Mansa Musa, whom I personally had no idea about. So it was fun to acquire something new near an interesting personality in an age bygone. ...more

Fascinating account of one of Africa's gilt ages. The story of perchance the richest homo ever to exist. I slightly wish this had gone more into depth about the Mali empire, simply it's a good primer of a history far too few know about.

Very well researched. A groovy jumping off betoken for anyone dabbling in Westward African Medieval history, especially for younger readers.

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