The History of the Yorubas By Samuel Johnson
$23.69
The author of this classic work is not to be confused with Samuel Johnson (1709-84), the English essayist, poet, and lexicographer usually known as “Dr Johnson”. This Samuel Johnson (1846-1901) was an Anglican vicar of African descent. He was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, but spent his adult life in Nigeria. His peace-efforts in the 1870s contributed to the eventual end of the Yoruba wars in 1886.
In 1880 Samuel Johnson became a deacon and was ordained a vicar in 1888. Claiming Yoruba ancestry, he was concerned that his people were losing their own history and completed the original manuscript of his history of the Yoruba people from his notes in 1897. Whether by accident or design, this completed manuscript was sadly lost. However, after his death, his brother, Dr Obadiah Johnson, produced this work from his notes. It was at last published in 1921. Unfortunately, Obadiah died in 1920 so neither he nor Samuel saw the finished product.
This book remains a key resource for the understanding of Yoruba history.
Any student of political history will be forced to acknowledge the explicit and almost accurate records collected by Samuel Johnson in this book. The book has a vivid picture of a generation of Yoruba Nationhood within Nigerian Nationality, prior to the British invasion and colonalization of Nigeria, Yoruba had been a Nation with an institutionalized government and there is no better place to understand and assess this form of government except in this book, the book is a bag of history, politics and culture of a nation called The Yorubas, it is one of the best book to describe the politics of government in which history defines the terms and culture of power dictates the order.
This is one of my favourite books. It is illuminating and engaging and strangely funny in its quaint often sententious tone. I would recommend it as must-read text for all Yorubas and indeed all interested Nigerians, Beninois and Brazilians. It reminds us of the beauty, pain, violence and resounding relevance of Yoruba culture (easily mirrored in other African ethnicities). This pioneering volume brought together various oral and recorded accounts of Yoruba history, describing not only political history but also social customs, language and laws. This volume remains the standard reference for the history of the Yoruba people.
The first part of the book discusses the people, their country and language, religion, government, land law, manners and customs. The second part is divided into four periods, dealing first with mytheological kings and deified heroes; with the growth, prosperity and oppression of the Yoruba people; the time of revolutionary wars and disruption; and, finally, the arrest of disintegration, inter-tribal wars, and the coming of the British.
There are two appendices, on dealing with treaties and agreements, the other giving tables of Yoruba kings, rulers, and chiefs. The book also includes an index and map of the Yoruba country.
Based on 0 reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
General Inquiries
There are no inquiries yet.
You may also like…
-
Books, Books & Games, Language
Yoruba Studies Review
Seller: GrammyBooksThe Yoruba Studies Review is a refereed biannual journal dedicated to the study of the experience of the Yoruba peoples and their descendants globally. The journal covers all aspects of the Yoruba transnational, national, and regional presence, both in their West African homeland and in diasporic spaces, past and present. The journal embraces all disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and the basic/applied sciences in as much as the focus is on the Yoruba affairs and the intersections with other communities and practices worldwide.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Literature
Equiano’s travels Edited By Paul Edwards
Seller: GrammyBooksWidely admired for its vivid accounts of the slave trade, Olaudah Equiano’s autobiography — the first slave narrative to attract a significant readership — reveals many aspects of the eighteenth-century Western world through the experiences of one individual. The second edition reproduces the original London printing, supervised by Equiano in 1789. Robert J. Allison’s introduction, which places Equiano’s narrative in the context of the Atlantic slave trade, has been revised and updated to reflect the heated controversy surrounding Equiano’s birthplace, as well as the latest scholarship on Atlantic history and the history of slavery. Improved pedagogical features include contemporary illustrations with expanded captions and a map showing Equiano’s travels in greater detail. Helpful footnotes provide guidance throughout the eighteenth-century text, and a chronology and an up-to-date bibliography aid students in their study of this thought-provoking narrative.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Language
Aisan Ife By Banjo Akinlabi
Seller: GrammyBooksThe Yoruba Studies Review is a refereed biannual journal dedicated to the study of the experience of the Yoruba peoples and their descendants globally. The journal covers all aspects of the Yoruba transnational, national, and regional presence, both in their West African homeland and in diasporic spaces, past and present. The journal embraces all disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and the basic/applied sciences in as much as the focus is on the Yoruba affairs and the intersections with other communities and practices worldwide.
SKU: n/a
Recently Viewed Product
-
-
Belts, Men's Fashion
Reversible Single Tongue Buckle Belt – Black & Light Brown
Seller: David WejA man’s taste is easily known by his choice of accessories. No better way to show impeccable taste than the brand that defines Class. The David Wej brand is a symbol of taste and class for a select few who buy only the best.
This Belt from David Wej is made from high quality genuine Leather.SKU: n/a -
Adult, Aphrodisiac, Cure and Treatment, Natural Remedies
Eva-fit Herbal Capsule – Enhance Sexual Performance in Men
Adult, Aphrodisiac, Cure and Treatment, Natural RemediesEva-fit Herbal Capsule – Enhance Sexual Performance in Men
Seller: kakakee ShopEva-Fit Herbal Capsules are traditionally formulated to enhance sexual performance in men
Dosage
Adult (18 years and above): take one capsule in the morning and night 30 minutes before a meal. If symptoms persist after 5 days, consult your doctor.
Caution: This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 18 years.
Warning: Keep out of the reach of children
Storage Condition: Store in a cool dry place
NAFDAC Registration Number: A70661L
Net content: 125g
SKU: n/a -
Loafers, Men's Fashion, Shoes
Patterned Tassel Loafers – Gold
Seller: David WejThe forte of David Wej is understated glamour and chic elegance in clothings and accessories that come in timeless designs and lasting quality so that the products always hit the right note.
Material: Leather
Colour: Gold
Smart Fit Featuring Wide Width
Superior Quality
SKU: n/a -
Formal, Men's Fashion, Shoes
Dej Brown 5-Eyelet Woven Derby
Seller: Dej Fashion CompanyDej Brown 5-Eyelet Woven Derby. Vegetable tanned box calf leather upper. Premium leather insole and landing for extra comfort. Premium polyvinyl chloride twine for stitching. Hard tempered thermoplast sole with a fine wood finished heel. Premium Alloy buckles, alloy nailed heel for rigidity. Premium aesthetic for maximum comfort and style.
SKU: n/a -
Body Care, Health & Beauty
Alata Garden Diamond Herbal Soap
Seller: Lawson OnlineAlata Garden Diamond herbal soap is pure African black soap rich in natural ingredients that protects the skin from harmful substances and heals the skin of damages due to chemical substances. Alata Garden Diamond herbal soap make your skin smooth and even toned with out changing the colour of the skin. it has good fragrance and is body friendly. ideal for all skin types.
SKU: n/a -
Health & Beauty, Natural Products, Natural Remedies
Quincy Slim Max Tummy Blaster Herbal Tea
Seller: Quincy HerbalsGet rid of stubborn belly fat with this great tasting detox green tea!! Made with 100% organic and responsibly produced ingredients. This weight loss tea has hints of peppermint, hibiscus and fennel with other weight loss herbs sourced from all over the world. Our unique blend of herbs in this loose leaf tea work together to detoxify the body, speed up metabolism and help you lose weight.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Literature
Nelson Mandela: Portrait of an Extraordinary Man By Richard Stengel
Seller: GrammyBooksIn 1975, imprisoned for life on Robben Island, Nelson Mandela covertly wrote his autobiography. After painstaking months the text was smuggled out–and was promptly quashed by the African National Congress. In his later Long Walk to Freedom Mandela politely expresses “surprise” at this. Sampson reveals that Joe Slovo suppressed the book for not giving enough prominence to Communists. This revelation is remarkable–the ANC could have made much mileage from the book at a time of low fortune–yet Sampson does not follow up. There is too often a sense of eggshells lightly walked upon.
SKU: n/a
There are no reviews yet.