Migration, Jihad, and Muslim Authority in West Africa

"The book is a readable, terse, theoretically developed treatment of an important episode in African history." -Journal of African History

"It is original and authoritative, certainly the best book we have on the heritage of Umar's conquests." -African History

". . . lucid analysis of a changing jihad society. This study enlarges understanding not only of the Umarian empire but also of the jihad movements generally." -Choice

John Hanson's thoroughly researched study revises late-19th-century colonialist assumptions about a West African Muslim social movement. Using indigenous Arabic manuscripts, travel narratives, and oral materials, Hanson assesses the meaning of a series of revolts against Islamic authority.