The volumes collected in this series were the product of two programmes of publications and research, one in the 1930s and the other in the 1950s. The series as a whole is designed to provide an academic analysis of society in mid-20th century Africa through these texts. Includes a new introduction by Simon Roberts. Schapera's original study was published in 1938. New edition published in association with the International African Institute Germany: Lit Verlag; North America: Transaction Books