In this eminently readable, concise history of Ethiopia, Harold Marcus surveys the evolution of the oldest African nation from prehistory to the present. For the updated edition, Marcus has written a new preface, two new chapters, and an epilogue, detailing the development and implications of Ethiopia as a Federal state and the war with Eritrea.

List of Photographs
Preface
Preface to the 1994 Edition
1. Beginnings, to 1270
2. The Golden Age of the Solomonic Dynasty, to 1500
3. The Decline of the Solomonic Dynasty, to 1796
4. Political and Economic Transformations, to 1855
5. Imperial Resurrection, to 1877
6. Imperial Consolidation, to 1889
7. The Defeat of European Imperialism, to 1897
8. Menilek's State, to 1916
9. Ras Tafari, to 1930
10. Haile Sellassie, to 1936
11. Haile Sellassie, to 1955
12. Haile Sellassie, to 1973
13. The Revolution, to 1977
14. The Failure of the Revolution, to 1991
15. The New Rulers, to 1995
16. Peace and War, to 2000
Epilogue
Maps
Glossary
Select Bibliography
Index

Harold G. Marcus (1936-2003) was Professor of History and African Studies at Michigan State University. His books include Haile Sellassie I: The Formative Years, 1892–1936 (California, 1986), Ethiopia, Great Britain, and the United States, 1941–1974: The Politics of Empire (California, 1983) and The Life and Times of Menelik II: Ethiopia 1844–1916 (1975).

"With remarkable precision and a sensible balance, Marcus has described the multiple and often contradictory and intersecting forces that have molded Ethiopia's rugged history. In his ambitious attempt to give a comprehensive account, he has paid considerable attention to broader social, economic, and cultural developments... Marcus has given us a concise yet complete overview of Ethiopia's history. Even those who are familiar with the events will find a good deal that is stimulating, provocative, amusing, and even entertaining."—Gebru Tareke, American Historical Review

"That a country with Ethiopia's historical record should have been so neglected is astonishing, and Harold Marcus is to be congratulated on taking up the challenge...This is a valuable contribution to Ethiopian historiography that provides a useful and much-needed overview of current knowledge."—Christopher Clapham, International Journal of African Historical Studies

"A very ambitious work.... Its readability will ensure a wide audience.... Specialists will be alternately outraged, amused, engaged, and challenged."—James McCann, Boston University

"Harold Marcus has written a highly readable book."—Bahru Zewde, African History

"A very ambitious work. . . . Its readability will insure a wide audience. . . . Specialists will be alternately outraged, amused, engaged, and challenged."—James McCann, Boston University

Obituary of Harold Marcus, H-Africa