David Conrad holds a Ph.D. in African History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He is Professor of History at the State University of New York, Oswego, and President of the Mande Studies Association. Specializing in oral tradition, indigenous religion and early kingdoms of the western sudan, he conducts research in Guinea and Mali. His books include two volumes of edited translations: A State of Intrigue and Epic Ancestors of the Sunjata Era, and he is co-editor of Status and Identity in West Africa.