Political thought is an essential ingredient of politics and the study of political ideas is equally essential for the analysis of political systems. Although the study of African politics has expanded in past years, African political ideas have been relatively neglected. Yet a significant characteristic of African political activity is that those who exert the greatest influence in practical politics also take the lead in formulating those ideas that might be characterised as political thought. The relationship between African political thought and African political action is, in formal terms, a close one. In addition to the main introduction, which discusses the characteristics and significance of African political ideology, the editors have provided short introductions to each major section of documents, biographies of the authors quoted, and a substantial bibliography of works by individual Africans or non-Africans who have influenced thought, as well as of more general sources. With this book the reader will be able to understand readily the issues which are of the most fundamental concern in African politics, and the attitudes which inform the actions of those in crucial posts of political authority.
