Includes bibliographical references (pages 352-380) and index.

"This pioneering and celebrated work was the first, and remains the standard, account of the economic history of the huge area known as West Africa. This edition contains a substantial new Introduction that discusses the development of the subject in the past 50 years, evaluates the debate over the original interpretation, and provides a valuable guide to further reading. Appearing at a time when African economic history is enjoying a revival and engaging economists as well as historians, it fills a large gap in African studies, provides newcomers with a stimulating point of entry into the subject, and contributes to our understanding of wider issues of global underdevelopment"-- Provided by publisher.