'This book deserves to be read widely by Africa specialists across several disciplines, and by those interested in the broader comparative study of agrarian state.' Journal of African History 'This important book utilizes a well-aimed political-economy approach to address crucial themes for development and state building in present-day Africa. ... takes the reader on a delightful journey to understanding the implications of regional variation in rural African political processes ... A must for those with interests bordering on regional systems.' Regional and Federal Studies 'the thoroughness of her analysis enables Boone to sustain a compelling argument as to the enormous variation in the state building practices pursued by national governments in post-colonial African states and the success of these practices. In so doing, Boone hasd opened new avenues, along which African scholars can proceed and examine post-colonial state development in other parts of the continent.' African Affairs