All but one of the chapters in this volume originated in a series of public lectures given in Cambridge under the auspices of the University's Centre for African Studies. The contributors are beholden to the Centre's Committee of Management and especially to its Director, Dr A. F. Robertson, both for this initial sponsorship and for the continuing assistance which has made it possible to produce the present volume.

Anyone who finds the volume of any interest or value should also be aware that its production has owed at least as much to the patience, the diplomatic charm and the efficiency of the Centre's secretary, Louise Speed, as it has to any of the authors concerned.