On Trans-Saharan Trails: Islamic Law, Trade Networks, and Cross-Cultural Exchange in Nineteenth-Century Western Africa
"This superbly written and deftly organized book provides a vast array of information concerning the mechanics of caravanning across the Sahara in the nineteenth century, the commodities traded in that period among the region's tribes, and the participants in their exchanges.... On Trans-Saharan Trails is an excellent book both for what it uncovers and for the questions it raises. Decades from now scholars in several fascinating disciplines will be using, but also seeking to refine and develop, its many fascinating findings." - The Journal of Economic History"On Trans-Saharan Trails, with its focus on regions bordering Western Sahara in the nineteenth century, is essential reading for understanding the mental landscape and social stratification, as well as the political and economic order within this specific ecological space. Its precise yet accessible style allows for a concrete appreciation of the workings of global history, providing a welcome reminder of the interconnectedness of our world-in terms of goods, techniques, or skills exchanged, but also in terms of the dissemination of shared vocabulary, cultural practices, ideas, beliefs, and peoples' migratory patterns." - H-Net"This is a rich book. Its scope ranges from a discussion of terminology of directions and the meaning of 'Sahel', via a history of tea consumption in the Sahara, to theoretical arguments on early modern trade networks. As a Saharan would say, 'Lydon has drunk deep.'" - Baz Lecocq, Ghent University, The Journal of African History"The text is a significant contribution to the literature on North and West Africa and deserves to be widely read, not only by historians but also by anthropologists, students of religion, art historians, and others." - Amanda Rogers, Emory University, H-AfrArts"Using family and court records, a breathtaking number of interviews, and a vast knowledge of Islam and northwest Africa's religious cultures, Lydon's lengthy book provides a wealth of information about the trans-Saharan trade on the eve of colonial conquest and will serve as a benchmark." - Sean Hanretta, Stanford University, Comparative Studies in Society and History"...scholars looking for an account of trans-Saharan trade in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries will find Lydon's book to be an indispensable resource, enriched by the author's meticulous and detailed study of Arabic private correspondence, legal documents, and commercial records." - James F. Searing, American Historical Review