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Cover of The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa
History· Mali

The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa

by Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
★Newbery Medal
Published 1994English
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About This Book

Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack's The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa (1994) stands as one of the most significant works of history of its era. This book provides a detailed account of the rich history and culture of the medieval kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. Aimed at younger readers, it explores the rise and fall of these powerful empires, their contributions to world history, and their lasting impact on African culture. The McKissacks' work is an important educational resource that brings to life the grandeur and complexity of West African history. Themes of African history, empire, culture run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPatricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack
Published1994
Country of Origin🇲🇱 Mali
LanguageEnglish
Category📜 History
ISBN9780805045620
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📜 History

Non-fiction works that document and interpret the past.

Explore all History books →
Country of Origin

🇲🇱 Mali

This book is part of Mali's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Mali →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1994, Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack's The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa is a work of history that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with African history, empire, culture, education gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of African history, empire, culture, education is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Mali's literary landscape, Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack occupies a significant position. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Newbery Medal
notable · national
19950
✍️
About the Author
Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack
Mali
View Author →

Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack is a Mali author whose work in history has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa about?

This book provides a detailed account of the rich history and culture of the medieval kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. Aimed at younger readers, it explores the rise and fall of these powerful empires, their contributions to world history, and their lasting impact on African culture. The McKissacks' work is an important educational resource that brings to life the grandeur and complexity of West African history.

Who wrote The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa?

The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa was written by Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack, from Mali. First published in 1994.

What awards has The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa won?

The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa worth reading?

The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in African history, empire, culture.

Where can I buy The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa?

You can buy The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa?

The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa is classified as History. Non-fiction works that document and interpret the past.

What country is The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa from?

The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa originates from Mali's literary tradition. Explore more books from Mali on our country page.

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