Africa's Last Colonial Currency: The CFA Franc Story

I had no idea! I had vaguely heard about the CFA franc that is still used in 14 of France's former African colonies, but knew nothing of its history, or its impact on development.France's colonies gained nominal independence, most in about 1960, but as Charles DeGaulle phrased it, "foreign policy, defence, the currency, economic and financial policy, raw materials, the control of justice, higher education and distant communications will constitute a common domain" - and the CFA franc gave Paris great control in those areas.A few of the concepts here are new for lay readers like myself, but are clearly explained. The authors and Thomas Fazi, the translator, have done a superb job of creating a short, engaging book about a topic that has largely escaped notice.