Microsoft Encarta Africana Third Edition

African history has been a very neglected part of the public education system (or at least that is my experience here in Canada). Beyond ancient history on the Mesopotamian region being the cradle of civilization, you learn very little about the rich and diverse history of this large continent. However, as this cd-rom demonstrates, Africa and people of African descent have contributed a great deal to the world, from its art (which inspired artists like Picasso to move beyond mere realistic portraits and landscapes towards greater expression of pure emotion), literature, music (jazz, the blues), etc.

Included are extensive entries on each country in Africa, its political leaders, its religions, its importance as the birthplace of humans and culture, etc., as well as the history of the dispersion of Africans to the Americas through not only slavery, but as important contributers to exploration. It also traces the history of Africans all over the world, Africa's contributions to food and culture, etc.

This cd-rom is beautifully designed and has excellent multimedia, including music, films of dancing, artwork, interviews with Colin Powell, Maya Angelou (spelling?), Whoopi Goldberg, etc., interesting essays on the concept of race. Also included is a library of historic African American literature (poems, slave narratives, etc.). As a white man, I now appreciate Africa's rich heritage far more than I used to, and I am sure it would make an especially wonderful inspiration to children of African descent. It is my hope that Encarta will release a similar cd-rom about Asia, but for now this cd-rom fills in the gap in a much neglected area of history. Kudos to those responsible.