Figures in a Spare Landscape

Peter Judd is always a rewarding historian. His latest work, Figures in a Spare Landscape, benefits from the same strengths as his other works: historical modesty and a devotion to the close study of unconventional sources. In this case, Judd’s source is himself. Based on diaries kept while he was teaching in Bornu Province, Nigeria, the book understands its position very clearly. Judd’s position in Nigeria was that of a white, upper-class, very well-educated American man who was teaching in Nigeria because he was interested and motivated by ideals, but also because he wasn’t sure what to do at “home”.

    The moment was 1959-60, one year before Nigerian independence from British rule. In fact, one of Judd’s responsibilities was the organizing and teaching of election supervisors. It would have been easy to say that it was a historic year, the year of independence. It would, therefore, also have been easy for Judd to say that he was participating in something historic. However, one of the many strengths of Figures in a Spare Landscape is Judd’s ability to make the “greatness” of things disappear and give evidence of the way individuals are able, but also quite unable, to see or understand their position and opportunities.

    Tom Johnson