by Colin Leys
Merlin
2025, paperback
SKU: 9780850367966
In 1924 Norman Leys shocked liberals by revealing the truth about settler colonialism in a best-selling book called, simply, Kenya. He showed that settler colonialism had nothing to do with a ‘civilising mission’ but meant the ruthless exploitation of African forced labour. In 1910 he had exposed the duplicity of the Governor of Kenya in moving the Maasai out of their traditional land to make way for settlers. The Governor was forced to resign. Leys was demoted and exiled. Leys campaigned tirelessly to try to change public opinion in Britain. He exposed the racism behind popular support for the settlers and was prepared to accept the unpopularity this caused.
The book tells the story of what made a medical doctor a champion of African liberation decades before it was fashionable, and why he had the impact he had. With a Foreword by Paul Gilroy, two maps and one photos. Annexes present selected original texts.
About the Author:
Colin Leys has spent most of his working life studying African development, including ten years researching and teaching in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. His books on Africa include Underdevelopment in Kenya, Namibia’s Liberation Struggle (with John Saul), and The Rise and Fall of Development Theory. He is an emeritus professor at Queen’s University, Canada.