Jonas Savimbi: A Key to Africa

Bridgland is a journalist (formerly with Reuters) who has deep knowledge of southern Africa. His biography of Savimbi, leader of the UNITA forces that are attempting to overthrow the government in Angola, is full of the detail and analysis that a good reporter will provide. While pro-Savimbi and UNITA, Bridgland doesn't hide Savimbi's early interest in Maoism and the tactics of Che Guevara. The book also tells the story of Angola from Portuguese colonialism to mid-1986. It shows how Soviet and Cuban aid for the MPLA is countered by American (especially CIA) and South African aid for UNITA. The book's value is in its encyclopedic detail, lively style, and up-to-date information. Its weakness is its undisguised support for Savimbi's cause. For larger collections. John Grotpeter, Political Science Dept., St. Louis Coll. of Pharmacy Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.