"...an important contribution to our understanding of precolonial intellectual history in Africa." David Newbury, American Historical Review

• List of maps and figures; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Chronology; Introduction; 1. Wood and wine, gardens and game; 2. Stratification, symbols and spirits; 3. New legends for new leaders; 4. Serpents and lightning; 5. Dances, moats and myths; 6. Combat, classes, titles and trade; 7. Schisms and slaves, ghosts and guns; 8. Assassinations, alliances and ambushes; Appendix: methodology; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

"...an important contribution to our understanding of precolonial intellectual history in Africa." David Newbury, American Historical Review

• List of maps and figures; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Chronology; Introduction; 1. Wood and wine, gardens and game; 2. Stratification, symbols and spirits; 3. New legends for new leaders; 4. Serpents and lightning; 5. Dances, moats and myths; 6. Combat, classes, titles and trade; 7. Schisms and slaves, ghosts and guns; 8. Assassinations, alliances and ambushes; Appendix: methodology; Notes; Bibliography; Index.