The aim of this book, as of previous editions, is to provide an overview and guide to an increasingly complex subject. As information accumulates, the need for such an overview becomes even greater, not only for historians, general Africanists and specialists in allied disciplines, or for archaeologists of other continents, but also for Africanist archaeologists themselves, for the days are fast disappearing when any one individual can be expected to be familiar with all periods in all regions of that vast continent.

The book is intended not only to summarise data and their interpretation, but also to serve as a guide to the literature. Unlike many broad surveys, the book therefore contains a comprehensive bibliography. For each major topic I have attempted to cite primary sources, even when their interpretation is now outdated, together with the most recent contributions or evaluations. When a full account of a piece of research has been published, earlier preliminary reports are not cited. Where the full account is still awaited, or where research is ongoing, important data may be scattered among many preliminary reports. Where available, I have preferred to cite publications in English as most readily accessible and comprehensible to the majority of readers. I have not cited unpublished dissertations, conference papers or contributions to informal newsletters. Despite the length of the bibliography, much selectivity has been exercised in its compilation. It is preceded by a brief bibliographic guide, which I hope readers will find useful.