CONTENTS
List of Illustrations
Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
Chapters IXIV
Appendices
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Hitherto studies of the Tuaregs have concentrated on the nomads
of the north to the neglect of their southern brethren of Mali
and Niger who have contributed most to the spread of Islamic culture
and institutions. Their share in the foundation of towns like
Timbuctoo, in the transmission of ideas particularly from Mamluk
Egypt, their mystic lodges and their scholars played a key role
in the penetration of Islam into the remote regions of the Southern
Sahara. This is a comprehensive account of the history and spread
of Islamic culture through the medium of the sacerdotal 'caste'
of the Ineslemen, from the Arab conquests of the 7th century
to the golden age of Tuareg scholarship in the 15th and 17th centuries.
Tuareg history is brought up to date with an account of their
resistance to the French and their present status in Niger after
their severe sufferings in the recent Sahelian droughts. By detailed
examination of the literary sources, talking and living with Tuareg
scholars, the author is able to place the contribution of these
devoted adherents of Islam in its true setting.
This book is important for Islamists Africanists, Anthropologists
and all those who wish to understand the achievements of this
unique people.
H.T. Norris has also translated The Adventures of Antar in this series.
pb 0 85668 362 6 $35 / £16.50
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CONTENTS
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SOME COMMENTS BY REVIEWERS
"There is no other work in English devoted solely to the
history of the Tuaregs. Specially noteworthy is its contribution
to knowledge of the southern Tuaregs ... This is a work of careful
scholarship which will be essential for historians of West Africa
and of Islam, as well as for anthropologists." BBN
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