cover image Mau Mau: An African Crucible

Mau Mau: An African Crucible

Robert B. Edgerton. Free Press, $22.95 (298pp) ISBN 978-0-02-908920-0

Portrayed in Western media as a terroristic outbreak of indiscriminate maimings and killings, the Kikuyu rebellion against British settlers in Kenya in 1952-56 is skillfully described and analyzed by a UCLA anthropologist-psychiatrist who has interviewed many participants. Edgerton explains the racially superior attitudes and practices of Kenya's whites that provoked the Mau Mau intimidation, arson and violence, as well as the fact that many of the rebels were ordinary people who did not commit brutal acts but fought as well for political freedom, economic opportunity and social justice.the brutal rebels didn't want these things also?/does inclusion of ``as well'' above do it for you?gs/yes,lk Ironically, most activists gained nothing, and independent Kenya, the author notes, is dominated by a black elite who either didn't fight or who fought against the rebellion. (Nov.)