Mother Africa's hospitality.

Inside Africa: Deidi Von Schaewen, photographer Angelika Taschen, editor Text by Frederic Couderc and Laurence Dougier Taschen, February 2004, $125.00 ISBN 3-822-85771-8

Africans often welcome strangers into their homes. Whether it is in the Versailles--like palace of Emir H.H. Aminu Ado Bayero in Kano, Nigeria, or Chefferie Bandjoun, a chief's compound in the Bamileke region of western Cameroon, arms are extended in welcoming gestures. The Ngorongoro Crater lodge in Tanzania, which stands at the lip of one of the world's oldest volcanoes, echoes the vestiges of colonialism; and a geometrically stunning home in Johannesburg's Mpumalanga Province painted by legendary Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu provides another different look at how millions live across the vast continent. Brilliantly conceived and photographed, Inside Africa invites readers into the homes from some 20 countries: Egypt, Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, Seychelles and Tunisia are included in "Volume I: North & East"; Benin, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa are among the countries included in "Volume II: West & South."

As you turn the pages--more than 900 in all--and enter each home, retreat or lodge you encounter a veritable feast of architecture, design and culture--all reflecting the remarkable diversity of African living. The homes range from boldly modern to enduringly traditional. Many rise from the spirit and ravishing beauty of the continent, while others reflect the tenacity of those determined to craft something seemingly out of nothing. Photographer Deide von Schaewen exquisitely captures an Africa most Americans have no idea exists.

In many of the homes, the surrounding trees, vast plains and majestic mountains flow with orchestrated case into the interiors. The design and construction rise organically and effortlessly out of the earth. Michele Champenois's interview with von Schaewen contextualizes the photographer's vision and passion for the regeneration of Africa's incredible architectural and cultural heritage. And the astute editorial hand of Angelika Taschen deftly ties it all together. The books' covers are "upholstered" with Dutch and Ivorian wax print cloth and are further enhanced with endpapers by world-renowned Congolese artist Cheri Samba.

Daphne Muse is a writer who spent memorable times in Tanzania.