Abina and the Important Men

by Trevor Getz

• ISBN13: 9780197762189
• ISBN10: 0197762182
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780197762196
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780190238742, 9780197762202
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2023-12-06
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• More Book Details

About This Book

Abina and the Important Men

ISBN: 9780197762189

Abina and the Important Men is a compelling and powerfully illustrated graphic history based on an 1876 court transcript of a West African woman named Abina Mansah. This book is more than just a historical account; it's a microhistory that uses the power of illustration to convey important themes in world history and reveal the processes by which history is made.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in history and anthropology courses, particularly those focusing on colonialism, slavery, and gender studies. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of late 19th-century colonialism and the experiences of women during that period.

History and Editions

The third edition of Abina and the Important Men has been widely acclaimed by educators and students. First published in 2023, this edition features a new section considering the place of race in the story. The book has won the James Harvey Robinson Prize from the American Historical Association, recognizing its significant contribution to historical scholarship.

Author and Other Works

Trevor Getz and Liz Clarke are the authors of Abina and the Important Men. Trevor Getz is known for his work in African history and his ability to make complex historical events accessible through engaging narratives. Liz Clarke brings her expertise in graphic storytelling, ensuring that the book's illustrations are both powerful and informative.

Key Features

• Graphic History: The book uses a graphic history format, combining text and illustrations to convey the story of Abina Mansah.
• Historical Context: Includes a historical context section, primary sources, discussion questions, and further research suggestions.
• Gender-Rich Section: Explores Abina's life and narrative as a woman, providing a rich analysis of gender dynamics in the context of colonialism.
• Award-Winning: Winner of the James Harvey Robinson Prize from the American Historical Association.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780197762189
• eBook: Available through VitalSource (ISBN: 9780197762196)
• Rental Options: Various rental durations available from different retailers

Publication Details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2023
• Number of Pages: Varies by format (typically around 100-150 pages)
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• 3rd Edition eBook: Available through VitalSource (ISBN: 9780197762196)
• 3rd Edition Rental: Various rental durations available from different retailers

Related ISBNs:

• 3rd Edition eBook: ISBN-13: 9780197762196
• 3rd Edition Rental: Various rental durations available from different retailers

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Abina and the Important Men, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Trevor R. Getz is Professor of History at San Francisco State University. He is the author of several books on African and World History and is a nationally-recognized leader in History education. Getz is also the editor of OUP's collection of all-digital history learning modules, Uncovering History.

Liz Clarke is a professional illustrator based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Table of Contents

Maps and Figures
Letter to the Reader
Acknowledgments
A Note on Ghanaian Ideograms

PART I: THE GRAPHIC HISTORY

Chapter 1: Abina Awakes
Chapter 2: The Breaking of the Beads
Chapter 3: The Truth
Chapter 4: Life at Quamina Eddoo's House
Chapter 5: He Did Nothing Good for Me
Chapter 6: Abina Silenced, Abina Redeemed

PART II: THE TRANSCRIPT

The Testimony of Abina Mansah
The Testimony of Eccoah Coom
The Testimony of Adjuah N'Yamiweh
The Testimony of Yowahwah

PART III: HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Gold Coast, ca. 1876
The British Civilizing Mission
The Civilizing Mission in the Gold Coast
Slavery in the Gold Coast
The Atlantic Slave Trade and Abolition
Abina Mansah and the Important Men

PART IV: READING GUIDE

Whose Story Is This?
Is This a "True" Story?
Is This "Authentic" History?

PART V: ENGAGING ABINA

Gendering Abina
Was Abina a slave?
Sandra Greene, "Who was Abina Mansah?"
Kwasi Konadu, "Was Abina Mansah a 'Slave'?"
Antoinette Burton, "Sex and Slavery in the 1876 Case of Abina Mansah"
Carina Ray, "Race and Intersectionality in Abina and the Important Men"
Race and the Tensions of History

Reading Questions
Introductory Questions, for Students at All Levels
Questions for Students at the University or College Level
Additional Questions for Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Timeline
Further Resources
Abina Mansah
Slavery and Abolition on the Gold Coast
About Colonialism and the Gold Coast
General Histories of Africa
Imperialism and Colonialism
Gender and African History
Web Resources
Preliminary Sketches
Glossary