This attractive information book is a testament to the ingenuity and inventive powers of the peoples of Africa. It examines the African origins of many contributions to global culture - the debt owed by modern medicine, science and agriculture to traditional healers with their close knowledge of plants and their cultivation, the wonder inspired by the architectural and engineering marvels of Ancient Egypt, the impact on the west of traditional African arts and crafts, of music and dance. The text is organised in thematic chapters, and includes a profusion of maps, colour illustrations and photographs.