In this updated version of his classic text, Lewis (emeritus, social anthropology, London School of Economics and Political Science) draws upon extensive archival and ethnographic research to present an overview of Somali history. Throughout the text, Lewis portrays the ingeniousness with which the Somali way of life has been adapted to all forms of modernity. Earlier editions were variously titled The Modern History of Somaliland: From Nation to State (Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 1965), A Modern History of Somaliland: Nation & State in the Horn of Africa (Longman, 1980) and A Modern History of Somalia: Nation & State in the Horn of Africa (Westview, 1988). Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)