Summary
Burkina Faso, known as Upper Volta until its independence from France in 1960, and locally called the "land of the upright people," is a medium-sized land-locked country with no less than six neighbors, some of which periodically get into trouble... which makes it reasonably strategic in some ways. While it has not done as poorly as some other African states, its economic has certainly not prospered and many Burkinabe go abroad to earn a living. As for politics, it is another case of stability without democracy, even if there are periodic elections. Still, this is better than not even having stability.
This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, maps, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 1000 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Burkina Faso.
Lawrence Rupley is a professor of economics and a former editor and administrator. He worked in Burkina Faso in the latter 1980s and still follows events there closely, being one of the major American specialists on that country. He was also the author of the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso.
Lamissa Bangali is a consultant and researcher in socio-cultural anthropology in Burkina Faso. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and has taught at the National School for Administration and Courts in Burkina Faso. He has also worked for the World Health Organization and has done consultancy for the European Commission and the African Development Bank.
Boureima Diamitani, also a Burkinabe, is the former Director of Cultural Heritage and Museums of Burkina Faso and has been Executive Director of the West African Museums Programme since 2001. He received his Ph.D. in art history from the University of Iowa, has been a fellow of the National Museum of African Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He has also worked as a consultant for the World Bank.
