<DIV><p>The newly created state of South Sudan, declared by the United Nations as recently as 2011, has yet to be extensively written about by the international commentariat.</p><p>Lam Akol, a scholar of international repute in the field, as well as a politician with close knowledge of the workings of government (he was former foreign minister and is now leader of the opposition), presents a history South Sudan that is uniquely authoritative and thorough. The book carries a foreword by Alan Goulty, who oversaw the secession discussions leading up the declaration of this, the world's newest country.</p><p>This book is essential reading for anyone involved in Africa and international development.</p></DIV>