One House
Subtitle: The Battle of Adwa 1896 -- 100 Years
Contributors: Fassil Yirgu (Editor); Pamela S Brown (Editor)
Edition: First edition
Publisher: Nyala Publishing
Published: January 1, 1996
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 160
ISBN-13: 9780964206816
Subjects: Africana; Ethiopia; Multicultural
Genres: Military History
First sentence: There are three reasons why we commonly refer to some happening as a historic event: either it occurs for the first time, it has significant consequences or it is symbolically important.
Description: One House is a celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Adwa—an African victory over colonialism achieved through cooperation, consensus and coalition among the diverse peoples of Ethiopia. It is a celebration of universal values.

The Ethiopian armies led by Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italian armies at the Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896 after vain attempts to prevent Italy from invading Ethiopia. This defeat shattered the myth of European superiority.

The Battle of Adwa is more than the victory of an ancient, sovereign civilization. It is an object lesson in the value of strong leadership—leadership that developed a vision that inspired diverse groups and individuals to achieve a common goal. It is also a model of success badly needed in these times of ethnic and religious strife.

This book takes a unique approach, telling this story through art, fiction, poetry and essay. In 1896 it was told with etchings, diaries and US and European news articles. Paintings from the turn of the century to this year interpret Adwa. Poetry and fiction reveals the fresh impace of these events on the African psyche of today.

These perspectives reflect not only the complex culture of an ancient kingdom, but the range of individuals moved by this struggle. Adwa reversed the "scramble for Africa" and inspired freedom movements in America, Africa and the Caribbean.

As recently as June 21, Reuters quotes South Africa's foreign minister Afred Nzo. He portrays Adwa as an ideal that "sustained Africa for a full century." And he urged African countries to "rededicate themselves to the spirit of Adwa and to strengthen the unity of their continent."
Table of contents: pagenum: ix
label: Pamela S Brown
title: Preface; pagenum: xi
label: Fassil Yirgu
title: Introduction; pagenum: 1
label: Donald N. Levine
title: The Battle of Adwa as a 'Historic' Event; pagenum: 9
label: Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin
title: Adwa — What For?; pagenum: 12
label: Ayele Bekerie
title: How Africa Defeated Europe; pagenum: 29
label: Teshale Tibebu
title: Adwa and Menelik's Ethiopia; pagenum: 40
label: Fikre Tolossa
title: Symbol of Freedom; pagenum: 46
title: Menelik's Proclamation of Mobilization; pagenum: 51
label: Richard Pankhurst
title: The Battle of Adwa; pagenum: 65
title: Battle Chronology; pagenum: 67
title: Color Plates; pagenum: 83
label: Richard Pankhurst
title: How the News was Received in England; pagenum: 98
label: Richard Pankhurst
title: Some Diplomatic Consequences: Europe, Ethiopia and the Sudan; pagenum: 107
label: Amare Tegbaru
title: Crazy Tale: historical fiction; pagenum: 139
title: Selected Readings; pagenum: 141
title: Notes; pagenum: 143
title: About the Contributors