Martin James releases latest edition of his book featuring Angola

Dr. Martin James

Dr. W. Martin James, emeritus professor of political science at Henderson State University, has released the fourth edition of his Historical Dictionary of Angola.

Published by Bloomsbury, the dictionary is an A-Z look at the African nation's politics, economics, civil conflict, women, arts and literature, health, history, and personalities.

James said he wrote his PH.D. dissertation on the UNITA rebellion in Angola that occurred from 1975 to 2002. In 1992, he served as an electoral observer to the first national elections in Angola, as well as to the South African and Mozambican elections in 1994.

"I was approached by Bloomsbury in 2004 to write the book because it was my field of expertise," James said. "My mentor at the University of Arkansas, J. Peter Vanneman, sparked my interest in Angola in 1974.

"It's a fascinating country with a long and difficult history. However, it seems the nation's future is bright."

James continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Henderson State teaching first-year students.