Book Description
Whilst traveling in Mozambique in the 1950’s the author became interested in Africa’s past relationships with the nearby island of Madagascar where the language spoken is more similar to those of the Pacific islands than to any in Africa.
In 1959, while studying for a diploma in anthropology back in England, he had an opportunity to participate in a major seminar on "Indonesia and Africa" organised by Professors Roland Oliver and John Fage at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. The seminar discussions were inconclusive, but – convinced that Indonesian penetration of Africa had once been far greater than is generally realised - he continued his researches privately.
Robert Dick-Read’s intriguing book – the culmination of years of study - flows smoothly through the early history of the Indian Ocean, from the islands and waterways of Indonesia, to Madagascar and the hinterland of Africa, exploring historical and cultural byways that are almost certainly new to many readers.
In the process there emerges evidence of a hugely important but, until now, largely neglected period in Africa’s history – the influence of Indonesians in both East and West Africa throughout the 1st millennium A.D., and possibly even earlier.
From the Publisher
Dr Roland Oliver, Emeritus Professor of African History, School of Oriental and African Studies, wrote:-
"This is just to say that I have spent three very interesting days reading your book … I can see that in Part One you have to range pretty widely over the South-East Asian seascape in order to establish the most likely origins of your Phantom Voyagers, and I found this section of the book quite enthralling … With all good wishes for the eventual success of your work, which I am convinced could reach and interest a wide public".
Sir Mervyn Brown, ex-British Ambassador to Madagascar, and High Commissioner to Nigeria, author of "Madagascar Rediscovered", and "A History of Madagascar" wrote:
"… I found it a fascinating read and a most impressive work of scholarship, based on a wide range of sources and a lifetime of travel and study of the art and culture of many African and other countries. I learned a great deal, especially about the Indonesian links with Nigeria. Thank you for letting me see this fascinating work, and I wish you good luck in your search for a publisher."
Thurlton Publishing
See all Product Description
