Facing Mount Kenya

A book written by a long departed personal friend. Condition as described, packaging, delivery as explained. It answers many outstanding questions for me.

Great book! and extremely serious seller and staff! Happy for the purchase! will be back at the first chance! thanks!

Most interesting to me is the chapter on magical practices and witchcraft; learning the difference between a medicine man and a witch doctor. Kenyatta gives a chilling description of the burning of a witch doctor as related by his grandfather who was a leading elder. Gikuyu society was complex and not understood by the British. No schools or hospitals existed in the accepted sense, but equally there was not an orphanage, old-age home or jail in sight. Law and order was regulated by fear of God and departed spirits and life was a series of rites of passage, ceremonies, sacrifices and rituals. A fascinating book by the LSE educated first President of Kenya.

As described, arrived quickly, thanks!

great

It ennoble read The author had tried to elaborate clearly that Africans can govern themselves. Also show that there was administration among African, for example land divisions. Clearly an epic book which fights for African liberation. It also shows traditions does not mean others are literate.

Excellent

È un libro molto interessante. Uno studio antropologico sui kikuyu scritto dal primo presidente del Kenya Jomo Kenyatta

This book is an eye opener about the culture of the Agikuyu people. A must read for the post colonial generation of the Agikuyu people. I found many parallels in the religious rituals to the Old Testament. I was astounded by the democratic, social and justice system in our tribe prior to colonisation. It is an awakening to who we really are.

I have read dozens of books about African Safaris and enjoy hunting books especially in an African setting from the late 1800's to mid 1900's. Most of those authors who spent a great deal of time with native African's always say they "understand the Africans" intimately. Comparing their observations with their conclusions it seemed to me that they did not really understand the natives. It took me awhile to find this book, but it is the definitive answer to my question; they dang sure didn't understand the natives. With all the world's problems today with "Tribes" all over the world I think this is a great place to start understanding what is meant by the word "Tribe." To many westerners, European or American it implies "Savage or unsophisticated" but this book will show you they are far more sophisticated than one might think. It is not a "page turner" by any means, but its not a Text Book either. It's well written and a wonderful read. Specific issues you will understand a great deal more after this book is female circumcision, and why Christianity's objection to polygamy pushes them toward the Muslim faith. This book was written in 1938. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see that pointed out anywhere. So for perspective the Mau Mau uprising was roughly '52-'58 and the author became the first President of Kenya in '63. I read Martin Meredith's "The Fate of Africa" a few years ago and I'm actually thinking about re-reading it with a new perspective. Speaking of tough reads, that one is tough.

Je suis allée au Kenya il y a longtemps, et, la première fois, Kenyatta était encore vivant...j'ai été fascinée par ce pays et je voulais en connaître toutes les coutumes, décrites par le President lui-même, qui faisait partie de la tribu des Kikuyus, et qui avait fait sa thèse sur ce sujet: il s'agit de ce livre et c'est passionnant!

This book should be required reading for every citizen of the 21st century. It was written by a young man in 1937 describing and celebrating an advanced culture to a world that could not then and cannot now see beyond its own xenophobic narcissism. The fact that Kenyatta went on to become a scout and leader on the path from colonial subjugation towards a not yet achieved freedom is almost beside the point.