Writing about the diversity and complexity of governance in Nigeria poses a challenge even to established historians. Richard Bourne has in this book tackled the challenge with detailed research and admirable perspicacity. Recommended reading for all those interested in Nigerian history. * Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General *
[A]n excellent overview of the main political events of Nigeria's first hundred years. * Africa at LSE *
The book currently stands as the most extensive documentation on Nigeria. * African Studies Quarterly *
Fills a gap for a one-stop history of the first century ... Bourne relates a century's worth of politics at a brisk clip. * Financial Times *
[A]n excellent introduction to Africa's most populous country. * Foreign Affairs *
An insightful account of great interest to scholars. * The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs *
Well researched and full of the anecdotes that turn a great history into an enjoyable one, Bourne's book is a necessary addition to the growing canon of comprehensive histories of Nigeria. * Chibundu Onuzo, Guardian columnist and author of The Spider King's Daughter *
Richard Bourne's meticulously researched book is a major addition to Nigerian history. * Guy Arnold, author of Africa: A Modern History *
This book is a major achievement and I defy anyone who reads it not to learn from it and gain greater understanding of the nature and development of a major African nation. * Lalage Bown, professor emeritus, Glasgow University *
If you want to understand Nigeria's history in one succinct go, this is a very good choice. * Noo Saro-Wiwa *
Richard Bourne's brilliant new book is an admirable, fair-minded account of a complex story, embellished with excellent portraits of its extended cast. * Richard Gott, author of Britain's Empire *
With his characteristic candour, pithiness and immaculate judgement, Bourne gives us a Nigerian history that reveals not only its full complexity but its huge range of dynamism, resilience and hope for the future. This is a very fine book. * Stephen Chan, SOAS, University of London *
This is a charming read that will educate the general reader, while allowing specialists additional insights to build upon. It deserves an audience far beyond the confines of Nigerian studies. * Toyin Falola, African Studies Association and the University of Texas at Austin *
