📖 Overview
Howard French is a journalist, author, and professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, with expertise in African and Asian geopolitics. His work spans over 25 years as a foreign correspondent for The New York Times, where he served as bureau chief in multiple regions including Central America, the Caribbean, West and Central Africa, Japan, and China.
French has written several influential books examining China's relationship with Africa, Western imperialism, and global power dynamics. His notable works include "China's Second Continent" (2014), which explores Chinese migration and influence in Africa, and "Born in Blackness" (2021), which examines Africa's pivotal role in the creation of the modern world.
French's photography work has been exhibited internationally, complementing his written journalism with visual documentation of various cultures and societies. He speaks multiple languages including French, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese, which has enabled his deep reporting across different regions.
His contributions to journalism and international affairs have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple nominations for the Pulitzer Prize and recognition as a fellow at the Open Society Foundations.
👀 Reviews
Readers value French's firsthand reporting and deep cultural knowledge across regions. Reviews highlight his ability to present complex geopolitical topics through human stories and detailed observations.
What readers liked:
- Clear, engaging writing style that balances academic analysis with accessible narratives
- Original reporting and personal interviews that provide unique perspectives
- Thorough research backed by extensive source citations
- Balanced treatment of sensitive historical and political topics
What readers disliked:
- Some found the pacing slow in certain sections
- A few noted repetitive points in longer works
- Technical economic discussions challenging for general readers
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- China's Second Continent: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- Born in Blackness: 4.4/5 (500+ ratings)
- Everything Under the Heavens: 4.1/5 (700+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Average 4.5/5 across titles
- Reviewers frequently note French's expertise and thorough research
- Some criticism of dense academic sections in otherwise accessible works
📚 Books by Howard French
Born in Africa: A Brief History of the Origins of Humankind (2021)
Examines recent scientific discoveries about human origins in Africa and explores how early human migration patterns shaped the development of our species.
Everything Under the Heavens: How the Past Helps Shape China's Push for Global Power (2017) Analysis of China's historical relations with its Asian neighbors and how this legacy influences current Chinese foreign policy and territorial claims.
China's Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa (2014) Investigation of Chinese migration to Africa, documenting how Chinese entrepreneurs and workers are reshaping parts of the African continent.
Disappearing Shanghai: Photographs and Poems of an Intimate Way of Life (2012) Collection of black and white photographs and accompanying poems depicting traditional life in Shanghai's old neighborhoods before modernization.
A Continent for the Taking: The Tragedy and Hope of Africa (2004) First-hand account of political upheavals, wars, and social changes in various African countries during the 1990s, based on French's experiences as a reporter.
Everything Under the Heavens: How the Past Helps Shape China's Push for Global Power (2017) Analysis of China's historical relations with its Asian neighbors and how this legacy influences current Chinese foreign policy and territorial claims.
China's Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa (2014) Investigation of Chinese migration to Africa, documenting how Chinese entrepreneurs and workers are reshaping parts of the African continent.
Disappearing Shanghai: Photographs and Poems of an Intimate Way of Life (2012) Collection of black and white photographs and accompanying poems depicting traditional life in Shanghai's old neighborhoods before modernization.
A Continent for the Taking: The Tragedy and Hope of Africa (2004) First-hand account of political upheavals, wars, and social changes in various African countries during the 1990s, based on French's experiences as a reporter.
👥 Similar authors
Martin Jacques analyzes China's rise and its impact on global power dynamics through historical and cultural perspectives. His work "When China Rules the World" explores similar themes to French's examination of China-Africa relations and shifting international influence.
Michela Wrong reports on African politics, corruption, and post-colonial dynamics across multiple countries. She investigates power structures and governance challenges in Africa with the same depth as French's coverage of China-Africa relations.
Ian Johnson focuses on Chinese society, politics, and religion through long-form narrative journalism and books. His work examines China's transformation and its effects on ordinary citizens, complementing French's analysis of China's global expansion.
Adam Hochschild writes about colonialism, human rights, and power dynamics in Africa with a focus on the Congo. His historical investigations of colonial exploitation parallel French's examination of modern power dynamics in Africa.
Peter Hessler documents China's social transformation through personal narratives and on-the-ground reporting. His immersive approach to understanding Chinese society and its global connections aligns with French's investigative methods.
Michela Wrong reports on African politics, corruption, and post-colonial dynamics across multiple countries. She investigates power structures and governance challenges in Africa with the same depth as French's coverage of China-Africa relations.
Ian Johnson focuses on Chinese society, politics, and religion through long-form narrative journalism and books. His work examines China's transformation and its effects on ordinary citizens, complementing French's analysis of China's global expansion.
Adam Hochschild writes about colonialism, human rights, and power dynamics in Africa with a focus on the Congo. His historical investigations of colonial exploitation parallel French's examination of modern power dynamics in Africa.
Peter Hessler documents China's social transformation through personal narratives and on-the-ground reporting. His immersive approach to understanding Chinese society and its global connections aligns with French's investigative methods.