Slavery and beyond

In Slavery and Beyond, Allen and Barbara Isaacman reveal the colorful narrative of an "obscure and impoverished people living in the shadows of history." Originating as slave armies on the plantations of Portuguese East Africa, the Chikunda emerged as noted elephant hunters, daring canoe voyagers, long-distance trade porters and state builders as slavery melted away in nineteenth century East Africa.

With a sensitivity for forms of cultural expression and the changing relationships between men and women, the Isaacmans lead the reader into the insecure world of East Africa as freed slaves sought new ways of supporting themselves.

The book underscores the variety of choices that faced the Chikunda and the multiple paths they navigated to construct their post-slavery lives in the region.

The result is a tightly written expose of the choices Chikunda exercised in the fluid and uncertain world of nineteenth century southwestern Africa.

The culmination of over 25 years of research, the Isaacmans have written a book that will provoke, delight, and inspire readers and scholars for decades to come.

This monumental and sweeping work is destined to become an African History classic.