Gondola (history, Indian U.-Purdue U., Indianapolis) includes a timeline and list of notable people in this one-volume history of the Congo. Gondola writes with attention to the personalities and motivations of leading figures, as well as the effects to the people and the country's economic well-being. The history begins with a description of the country's ethnic groups, geography, and early history then turns to the long tragedy of colonial conquest and rule under Belgium's King Leopold, the colonial system that followed, the process of decolonization, and the subsequent three republics. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)