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"... offers readers profound insights and useful information on the power of the word in African societies... " -- Research in African Literatures

"I would recommend Speaking for the Chief not only to students of West African culture, by whom it should be greatly welcomed, but also to anyone intersted in issues surrounding specific genres of discourse in relation to cultural organization." -- Journal of American Folklore

"Drawing on the interdisciplinary modes of sociolinguistics, political anthropology, and the ethnography of speech, Yankah allows the reader to hear a little-known and even less studied 'voice' integral to Akan chiefly power. This book deserves the serious attention of Akan and Africanist scholars alike." -- Choice

"... an unprecedented opportunity to understand West African oratory from the point of view of a native Akan speaker who is also a gifted linguist and ethnographer.... [Yankah] shows with elegance the connections between verbal strategies and the cultural organization of West African social systems." -- Alessandro Duranti

"This study is clearly important in ethnographic terms... But it equally throws new light on more general aspects of verbal and political processes.... will stimulate both specialists and students far beyond the confines of its specific ethnographic setting." -- American Anthropologist

"... an immensely valuable book which deserves a wide and appreciative readership." -- Journal of African History

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In this sustained and nuanced attempt to define a genuinely African philosophy, Kwame Gyekye rejects the idea that an African philosophy consists simply of the work of Africans writing on philosophy. It must, Gyekye argues, arise from African thought itself, relate to the culture out of which it grows, and provide the possibility of a continuation of a philosophy linked to culture. Offering a philosophical clarification and interpretation of the concepts in the ontology, philosophical psychology, theology, and ethics of the Akan of Ghana, Gyekye argues that critical analyses of specific traditional African modes of thought are necessary to develop a distinctively African philosophy as well as cultural values in the modern world. Kwame Gyekye, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Ghana, is currently a Visiting Professor of Philosophy and African American studies at Temple University. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including "The Unexamined Life: Philosophy and the African Experience". ... Read more

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In his groundbreaking study of the Akan diaspora, Konadu demonstrates how this cultural group originating in West Africa both engaged in and went beyond the familiar diasporic themes of maroonage, resistance, and freedom. Between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Akan never formed a majority among other Africans in the Americas. But their leadership skills in war and political organization, efficacy in medicinal plant use and spiritual practice, and culture archived in the musical traditions, language, and patterns of African diasporic life far outweighed their sheer numbers. Konadu argues that a composite Akan culture calibrated between the Gold Coast and forest fringe made the contributions of the Akan diaspora possible. The book examines the Akan experience in Guyana, Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados, former Danish and Dutch colonies, and North America, and how those early experiences foreground the modern engagement and movement of diasporic Africans and Akan people between Ghana and North America. Locating the Akan variable in the African diasporic equation allows scholars and students of the Americas to better understand how the diasporic quilt came to be and is still evolving. ... Read more

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This book begins your exploration of the culture and traditions of the Akans of Ghana, West Africa.It introduces the reader to the lifestyle of the traditional Akans living in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, and other West African Countries.Little has been written on the Akan culture and spirituality especially in the style and with the sensitivity of this author.The reader gets a glimpse of the traditional life of the Akan with its protocols, hospitality, and embedded cultural spirituality.This is a user friendly guide to anyone seeking knowledge on the culture and/or spirituality of the Akans.The author has spent more than 15 years traveling throughout Ghana, observing and participating in cultural activities as well as studying day-to-day life.Additionally, the Author has spent many years interviewing practitioners of traditional Akan customs and rituals in Ghana.This book is a must read for social workers, psychologists, professors, teachers, andstudents.It is a great reference guide for those who plan to travel to Ghana and other parts of West Africa. Akan Protocolis infused with stories of interest and humor that will place you in the heart of Ghana, West Africa with Nana Kyerewaa. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent book on etiquette, not spiritual knowledge
this is a great book for people planning to visit Ghana and interact with members of the royal community there. It is insightful in understanding etiquette in Akan culture.However, for those of you thinking that the author is going to go at any length discussing the spiritual beliefs of Akan religion she is not.This should not be mistaken as a spiritual or religious book, it is focused primarily on etiquette.This is not a bad thing, understanding such protocol is good. But this it is not a soul searching sort of ordeal.

Excellent Book
Excellent book, i being a descendent of akan maroons was satisfied with the protrayal and preciseness of this treatise of akan morality and thier religious perceptions.This book is a excellent primer for her other book,Introduction to akan spiritual religion, rituals and practices.I beleive that the main reason, why there is so little to none information on Akan religions and thier beleifs, is because it is being hidden by the " the powers that be". Only harmful religions from africa, and religions that have never meant well for black people in general like voodo santeria, and alot of the so called yoruba religion.It is no coincedence that there voodoo and santeria cults basically "littered around america" victimiizing poor black people who do not know better, than to deal with these class's of spirits, or the people who teach them.I also might add that these same spirits in these religions were repsonsible for alot of the slave trade, partaking in a diabolical plan by them and the "beast".It does not make sense that there is a million and one books on voodo santeria, psuedo yoruba, but there is nothing on the hundreds if not thousands of spiritual realitys from africa.

A MUST READ
This book has been long overdue. We have been praying for the second reprint of this book!!!!

As the previous commentor stated, if you did not have an chance to get your hands on the first edition, then you have another opportunity.There is no other book like this one on the market today. This book should be on everyone's bookshelf and should definately be a must read for all college-level African American/African studies classes.

Nana Kyerewaa does an outstanding job of laying the foundation for Akan culture and spirituality. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. This book will definately open up many doors for you spiritually and will definately leave you wanting more.

Medase Pi Nana Kyerwaa for writing this groundbreaking book. May Almighty God, the Abosom and Nsamanfo continue to bless you.

Excellent Book
I have been interested in traditional African reilgion and culture for many years. And when i was ready to move past the stereotypes then this book found me.

The author is very knowledgable and makes the book easy to understand. In no way does the author indulge the reader in the nonsense that surrounds traditional african religions. This author breaks it all down and gives the Akan culture the respect it deserves. In simple terms, and this is important because when onereads a book about something that is new the reader does not want to get caught in technical jargon. Because it makes the texts and the information impossible to absorb.

Now I am able to understand that Akan culture. And know that it is based on tradition that has existed for thousand of years before any western religion. And the religion and culture still thrives today in Ghana and in America.



This is must read for everyone who is an African living in the diaspora or on the continent, anywhere in the world.

Amazing Introduction to the Akan Structure
This book is an amazing introduction to the Akan Structure.This was an easy read.If you are interested in the subjects of the Ancestors, Traditional African Religions, and/or the heart of Sankofa, this book is a must read.Akan Protocol is the must read guide for anyone traveling to Ghana or anyone who is interested in or wants to attend Akan Akom based events!Follow this author...if this book is a foreshadow of what's to come, this author is very promising!!!Akan Protocol is a Must read and a Must have.Bravo Nana Kyerewaa!!! ... Read more

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In this trickster tale, Ananse the spider must meet Sky God's challenge to prove that he can spin stories and tales as splendid as his spider webs.

The Legends of the World opens readers' minds to the diverse cultures of Native America, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Americas through enchanting tales passed down through countless generations.Each book in the series features geographical, historical, and cultural information.Illustrated in full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Can Ananse the spider win the Sky God's stories?
Spider And The Sky God is from Troll Associates' "Legends of the World" series. This one is illustrated by Dave Albers and written by Deborah Newton Chocolate.

Ananse the spider decides he wants to be able to tell the stories that all belong to the Sky God.The Sky God names his price: a python, buzzing hornets, a leopard, and a fairy.Can Ananse deliver?

The last page of this book discusses the African origin of this tale.Ananse often is the trickster in these tales, and he is tricky in this one as well.

How can a kid not enjoy this? ... Read more

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Open Channel Hydraulics is written for undergraduate and graduate civil engineering students, and practicing engineers.

Written in clear and simple language, it introduces and explains all the main topics required for courses on open channel flows, using numerous worked examples to illustrate the key points.

With coverage of both introduction to flows, practical guidance to the design of open channels, and more advanced topics such as bridge hydraulics and the problem of scour, Professor Akan's book offers an unparalleled user-friendly study of this important subject

·Clear and simple style suited for undergraduates and graduates alike
·Many solved problems and worked examples
·Practical and accessible guide to key aspects of open channel flow ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Effort
I recommend this book for those who desire an introduction to African approaches to religion. With his anthropological methodology, Fisher attempts to remain objective. The reader will also appreciate the study guides at the end of the chapters that help to reinforce the material.

While simply written, I did catch a couple factual errors: Cecil Rhodes was the capitalist baron of South Africa, not "East Africa" (164); and the term "negritude" is more closely associated with Marcus Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association.

I also found that Fisher's view of reality is obscured by his assumptions about the normalcy of European culture. It is obviously implicit that he sees his evolutionary assumptions about life in Africa as "scientific" (14), but relegates the etiological stories of the Akan to "myth" (43). Also, I am surprised that a work that utilized an impressive amount of secondary sources did not incorporate the monumental study of Kofi Owusa Mensa (Saturday God and Adventistm in Ghana. Frankfurt: Lang, 1993). In fact, even in discussing the significance of days (22), Fisher never once mentions that Onyame, the supreme being of the Akan, is also known as Onyame Kwame-the Saturday God. He says there are no "shrines to Nyame" (49), but do shrines have to be physical? Can they be temporal? Hopefully a second edition will fill these significant lacunae.

Excellent coverage of an interesting subject.
I have been scouring Amazon for books on the Akan peoples of Western Africa and came up with this one.What a find!Culture, traditional religious beliefs, proverbs, Christianity, and Islam are all here, tied together with a historical perspective that is just what I was looking for. One of the most interesting things was that he uses the book "Things Fall Apart" for much of his discussion.Reading that book at the same time as this one enriched my understanding of both.Definitely worth the time spent. ... Read more

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KEY BENEFIT: Offering a balanced treatment of both theory and practical design solutions, this book examines the fundamental concepts of engineering hydraulics. KEY TOPICS: Fundamentals Properties of Water; Water Pressure and Pressure Forces; Water Flow in Pipes; Pipelines and Pipe Networks; Water Pumps; Water Flow in Open Channels; Ground Water Hydraulics; Hydraulic Structures; Water Measurements; Hydraulic Similitude and Model Studies; Hydrology for Design; Graphical Flow Nets: Electric Analog and Numerical Analysis; Solution Charts (Nomographs); Symbols.MARKET: A very useful reference for practicing engineers who want to review basic principles and their applications in hydraulic engineering systems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book
This book is well written and takes you back a step or two had you forgotten the basic principles of fluid mechanics or open channel flow.The example problems are very helpful and the small book size makes it nice to carry around.Quite pricy but a great reference to have around for most hydraulic applications.

Fairly Good book
I used this book for my first course in Hydraulics and thought this book was pretty good. The material is organized well and the chapters get right to the point, I thaught one improvement that could be made would be to put more examples in the text. ... Read more

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Are you searching for a spiritual path that speaks to your cultural identity? Are you curious about the connection of the African-American experience to ancient African culture and spirituality?

The Quest for Spiritual Transformation: An Introduction to Traditional Akan Religion, Rituals, and Practices is an important contribution to the exploration of cultural approaches to healing the mind, body, and spirit. Author Nana Opokuwaa clearly illustrates the connection between the traditions and beliefs of Africans born in the Diaspora to the ancient customs of the Akans. Her writing style exhibits a special sensitivity and compassion that shows appreciation for the reader’s need for guidance. Opokuwaa’s approach to explaining the Akan Akom Tradition brings clarity to the complicated practices associated with African religion in the Diaspora.

In addition to seven study guides meant to serve as discussion points within your organization, group of friends, or for yourself, this book includes a list of references to enlighten you about Akan culture, customs, and traditions. There is a glossary of Twi words, with which readers may not be familiar, utilized in the book and an index for readily available reference. In the follow-up to Akan Protocol: Remembering the Traditions of Our Ancestors, Opokuwaa continues her effort to share information about the ancient traditions and customs of the Akans of Ghana, West Africa.

Customer Reviews (1)

Another Excellent work
For those of you tired of the non-black dominated prostituted religions andspiritsof the yoruba, voodoo and santeria religions, and are seeking to link "blood wise" with people and spirits your actually descended from as a african american, this is the book to get.It is a wonderful treatise and introduction to the religious concepts and beleifs of the Akan people.What i am very impressed with is the author, intructs the reader how to construct an akan based, what i call a "portal to the higher realms" , or more commonly known as a ancestor shrine.Blacks need to reaslise that thier ancestors, millions of them are stuck in limbo at the bottom of the sea, underground in the earth without proper burial in america and the new world. They are spectral spirits in a constant of suffering in the spirit world, because of what they expereinced in the slave systems orchestrated by the moslums and european christians.Unless they are freed and appeased, they will i mean will destroy thier descendents who do not even recognise them, nor themselves not respect themselves. ... Read more

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A Treasure
The Akan culture of Ghana in West Africa is well known for its proverbs, and this book provides an extraordinary collection of thousands of those proverbs in the original Twi, plus a direct translation into English, and then an explanation of what it is intended to mean.It gives insight into the culture that may be unique.It is a joy to read through. ... Read more

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Nnwonkoro is a genre of women's song found among the Akan speaking peoples of Ghana. Based on extensive field work this book investigates the nature of composition in oral culture, together with issues such as the scope of the poetic imagination and the transformation process that accompany's modernisation. ... Read more