Vols. 1-3 paged continuously. Vol. 4 by W.G. Sumner, A.G. Keller, and M.R. Davie."Published under the auspices of the Sumner Club on the foundation established in memory of Philip Hamilton McMillan of the class of 1894, Yale College." "Bibliographical note": v. 4, p. [1193]-1268.

One of UNESCO's most important publishing projects in the last thirty years, the General History of Africa marks a major breakthrough in the recognition of Africa's cultural heritage. Offering an internal perspective of Africa, the eight-volume work provides a comprehensive approach to the history of ideas, civilizations, societies and institutions of African history. The volumes also discuss historical relationships among Africans as well as multilateral interactions with other cultures and continents.

"Africa was partitioned and colonized by the Europeans. After military conquest came the commercial exploitation of the wealth of Africa. The intensity of resistance to colonization varied from one region to another, but a new economic and social system linked with colonization was put in place, bringing about unprecedented demographic and political change."--Publisher's description.