Since the publication of Vansina's earlier book, oral traditions have now become widely accepted as a legitimate source of history.

Although written by a leading historian of Africa, Vansina's work on oral traditions ranges far beyond Africa, so has a wider relevance. Vansina explains not only how oral traditions have been used in the past but also how they should be used by historians in their research.

North America: University of Wisconsin Press; Kenya: EAEP