Historical Dictionary of Rwanda

(Hardback, Second Edition)

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Blessed with natural beauty and rich vegetation, Rwanda is often called the land of a thousand hills (le pays des mille collines), a reference to its many lush and green rolling hills. Moreover, for many Rwandans, at least in the past, Rwanda, in spite of its small size, is vast; in fact, it means the universe. This idyllic view, however, sharply contrasts with the sad history of ethnic strife that unfolded since the 1950s: the 1959 Hutu Revolution followed by years of anti-Tutsi pogroms, undemocratic regimes, the civil war of 1990-1994, and, more significantly, the April-July 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and the killing of Hutu who opposed the killings. The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi remains the most defining single event in contemporary Rwanda, and many people in the world today know of this central African nation from the prism of extreme mass violence that sullied the end of the 20th century amid international indifference and has since haunted the worlds conscience. This second edition of Historical Dictionary of Rwanda contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Rwanda.

Reviews

Earlier editions include the 2007 new edition, by Twagilimana, and the original Scarecrow edition, by Learthern Dorsey. This second edition is expanded by more than 80 pages from the previous, the majority of which are accounted for by expansion of the 300-plus entries at the heart of the work. The chronology and bibliography were also updated and expanded. Following the familiar format of the Historical Dictionaries series, acronyms and abbreviations, a chronology, and an author's introduction (80 pages) precede the AZ entries. Five appendixes provide basic facts about the country, the history of its rulers, and recent governance. The extensive bibliography is categorized by broad area (history, politics, culture, science, and more). For librarians wondering whether to replace the 2007 work, this expanded edition provides greater perspective on the 20-plus years after Rwanda's shattering genocide; for those with shelf space, it is worth retaining the older 1994 edition for its pre-genocide historical overview and chronology. Especially valuable for academic programs in African studies, global studies, and political science. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic levels; general readers; professionals/practitioners. * CHOICE *

Author Bio

Aimable Twagilimana, a native of Rwanda, is a Professor of English at the State University of New York College at Buffalo. He has published several books and dozens of articles and encyclopedia entries on African American literature and on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi of Rwanda.