Historical Dictionary of Liberia

Journal of Third World Studies, Spring 2003 by Saha, Santosh C

Dunn, D. Elwood, Amos J. Beyan and Carl Patrick Burrowes. Historical Dictionary of Liberia. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2001. 436 pp.

Based on adequate information, equipped with a chronological listing from 1200 A.D. to 200 A.D., and strengthened with sixty-five page strong related bibliography, this dictionary, compiled by three noted Liberianists, offers varied guidance and help to scholars, libraries and students in Liberian social and political history. Both as a source of information and a piece in detached expert interpretation, this source book serves several meaningful purposes. First, the introduction of the book itself is a precise history of Liberia, which has a unique history of effective interactions between immigrants and local peoples. The authors, who have published good records, trace the social, political, cultural, and economic systems of pre-1822 Liberia. One conclusion is that indigenous institutions such as the chieftaincy and poro societies were severely strained by several centuries of slave trading. They examine the Tubman and Tolbert eras up to 1980 to conclude that the coastal people who had immigrated from abroad changed the worldviews of the interior people. A functioning society was being evolved. The recent past has been depicted as precarious due to continuing civil wars. The slow and inadequate foreign responses are regretted.

Second, the Liberian Church history as well as Church related institutions have been well depicted to the satisfaction of many Liberians who are intensely religious. "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Republic of Liberia," which was greatly "understudied institution of Liberian immigrant society" (p. 19), has been featured adequately. Pre-eminent Liberian statesmen like Joseph Jenkins Roberts and William VS. Tubman belonged to that institution. In the same vein, little known society such as "Womnigee" of the Loma ethnic group has been recorded. The biographical sketch of less known figure like Gbeh Wreh (p. 363) who set up the Liberian marketing Association in Monrovia, shows light to the spirit of professional association in early Liberia.

Third, authors' interpretations are enlightening. They affirm with justification that Lebanese (p. 203) people were not only successful import-export businessmen but also demonstrated "clannish success." In an intelligent way, the authors argue that the Lebanese, unlike many other immigrants, had nurtured good relations with Liberia's political hierarchy. A kind of social integration was welcome. The short history of "Progressive Alliance of Liberia" (PAL) (p. 272), we are informed, was a group, which claimed that African principles and humanistic ideals were matters of pride.

Fourth, authors have fruitfully collected information from primary and secondary sources in Africa and the U.S., and more importantly from living and active scholars interested in Liberian overall affairs. Technically, the dictionary has some good features. For the item, "Aborigines" we are asked to see "Peoples of Liberia;" for "Condo Confederation" we are directed to "Boso" and "Sao." Its broad definition of history and culture takes into consideration such general item as "Energy" (p. 125). The energy crisis is highlighted as a chronic problem, thereby demonstrating the importance of entries of non-traditional items.

Last, readers and users will greatly benefit from sections in bibliography: General Works; Culture; Science; Social Science; History; Politics; and Economics. Implicit in the presentation is the idea that if we are to know Liberia, past and present, we better go for all of Liberia with all its varied history and culture. The dictionary proves that a country's past and present may be arranged to give focus to virtually all-important aspects of life.

One problem: the dictionary has no index. At least a subject index would have been more helpful. Also, in some cases, sources could be placed at the bottom of relatively unknown entries for the directional guidance of readers. However, the dictionary, well bound, nicely designed by the renowned publishers, should deserve a place not only in libraries but also among general public both in Africa and the U. S.

Santosh C. Saha Mount Union College.