Howard W. French

Howard W. French is an American journalist, author, and photographer known for his work as a foreign correspondent for The New York Times and his writings on Africa, Asia, and the African diaspora.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. China's Second Continent

    How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa

    This insightful narrative delves into the burgeoning presence of Chinese immigrants across Africa, exploring the profound impact of their entrepreneurial ventures and cultural exchanges on the continent. Through vivid storytelling and firsthand accounts, the book uncovers the motivations driving these individuals to seek opportunities in Africa, highlighting the complex interplay of economic ambitions, cultural integration, and geopolitical implications. It paints a nuanced picture of the evolving relationship between China and Africa, offering a fresh perspective on globalization and the shifting dynamics of international influence.

    The 9158th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Born In Blackness

    Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War

    This compelling historical narrative delves into the profound impact of Africa on the modern world, challenging conventional Eurocentric perspectives by highlighting the continent's pivotal role in shaping global history. Through a rich tapestry of stories and insights, the book explores the often-overlooked contributions of African civilizations and their influence on the development of the Atlantic world, from the transatlantic slave trade to the rise of capitalism. It offers a fresh lens on the interconnectedness of continents and cultures, emphasizing Africa's enduring legacy in the formation of the contemporary global order.

    The 15563rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Everything Under The Heavens

    How the Past Helps Shape China's Push for Global Power

    This insightful exploration delves into the historical and contemporary dynamics of China's rise as a global power, examining its cultural, political, and economic influences. The narrative weaves through centuries of history, highlighting China's enduring ambition to reclaim its perceived rightful place at the center of world affairs. Through a blend of historical analysis and on-the-ground reporting, the book offers a nuanced perspective on how China's past shapes its present strategies and future aspirations, providing a comprehensive understanding of its complex relationship with neighboring countries and the broader international community.

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  4. 4. A Continent For The Taking

    The Tragedy and Hope of Africa

    This compelling narrative delves into the complex and often tumultuous history of Africa, exploring the intricate web of political, economic, and social challenges that have shaped the continent. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and incisive analysis, the book examines the impact of colonialism, the struggles for independence, and the ongoing quest for stability and prosperity. It offers a critical perspective on the role of foreign powers and highlights the resilience and potential of African nations to overcome adversity and chart their own course towards a brighter future.

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  5. 5. The Second Emancipation

    A mixture of history, reporting, and moral argument that traces how the promise of emancipation was undermined across Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the late-20th-century rise of mass incarceration, showing how laws and institutions have functionally re-enslaved millions and stripped basic rights from Black Americans; it calls for a renewed, national movement — a “second emancipation” — to restore voting and civil rights, reform criminal-justice systems, repair economic and civic harms, and remake public institutions to secure genuine equality.

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