Review by Choice Review
In this densely textured study of the Tswana kingdom of Ngwato from the 1850s to the 1940s, Landau demonstrates a deep knowledge of the Tswana language, culture, and sources. His main argument is that the transformation of a formerly minor polity into a major kingdom was due primarily to the establishment and spread of literate Christianity--the "realm of the word" of the book's title. This was accomplished through a complex and changing alliance between the Ngwato ruler and establishment, European, and Tswana missionaries, and especially Tswana women. All of these groups contested for control of "the word" even as they collectively transformed and helped expand Ngwato power, territory, and identity within the context of a usually distant but supportive British colonial rule. Landau also weaves into the text discussions of language, literacy, cattle, beer-drinking, status, power, and identity formation. Thoroughly postmodern in style of analysis, presentation, and terminology, Landau's writing is mostly cogent and convincing. Two not overly helpful maps, but thorough, careful (and real) footnotes, and an extensive bibliography. Upper-division undergraduates and above.
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
