For those with a historical interest in the nations of Africa will find this book entertaining and easy to read. Well researched, informative, and detailed account of the life of King Menelik II of Ethiopia. Menelik was the king responsible for unifying the various tribes within the nation and generally created the border that exists today (or, at least, when Eritrea was still part of Ethiopia). Menelik is also famous for his military genius which helped defeat the Italian army in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa, thus preventing Ethiopia from being colonized by a European nation. Prof. Harold Marcus also goes into great detail on Ethiopia's dealings with the European nations and its neighboring countries during the rule of King Menelik II, but his narrative style makes this book very easy to read. I recommend this book to anyone from high school and up.
