A fascinating history of ideas about independent Africa's political future, from liberation leaders, African American allies and towering postcolonial writers to present-day debates.

Stephen Chan OBE is Professor of World Politics at SOAS University of London. He has advised governments, opposition leaders and liberation movements in many parts of Africa, and negotiated on the African side of delegations to Beijing. His many books include Spear to the West, also published by Hurst.