This two-volume collection of Connell's writings, spanning a quarter-century, recounts the experience of Eritrea's protracted independence war and its postliberation transition with vivid eyewitness imagery and insightful analysis. This anthology provides a unique record of the birth of this culturally diverse new nation, the evolution of the political movement that led it, and the challenges faced by the reporter who covered it. Taking on the Superpowers (Vol. 1) spans 1976-1982 and Building a New Nation (Vol. 2) spans 1983-2002.