Mengara presents an analysis of the historical and cultural processes through which the various perceptions of Africa (and Africans) since ancient times have crystallised in the form of negative images and stereotypes so pervasive and profound that the continent, to date, has largely been unable to shake them off. With contributions from a range of international academics, including Martin Bernal, author of Black Athena, the book sets out to deconstruct the many images and stereotypes that have denigrated Africa and its peoples and to correct many misrepresentations.