Rather than retranslating the Arabic text of Al-Saidi's (1596- 1656) history of western Africa, which would find little appeal among today's publishers, Hunwick (history, religions, and Islamic thought in Africa, Northwestern U.) revises the translation of French scholar Octava Houdas, which stood as the standard throughout the 20th century, based on other current editions. He also includes four other accounts of the region from the period. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
