The Sword of Truth - The Life and Times of Shehu Usuman Dan Fodio

At the turn of the eighteenth to the nineteenth century a revolutionary movement arose in Hausaland (now part of northern Nigeria) that was to have a profound influence on the subsequent history of the area. At its center was a man who bore the Hausa name Shehu Usuman dan Fodio. The movement he led, and the successful jihad he fought to reform Islam in Hausaland, brought about significant changes in Africa. First published in 1973, this new paperback edition includes a new introduction by the author.

"The Sword of Truth is a beautiful example of scholarly history made relevant and exciting. . . . This is an indispensable book to West Africanists as well as a pleasant one to read." --American Historical Review