This is an annotated Amharic translation of the Chronicle of the Ethiopian King Susenyos (1597-1625 Ethiopian Calendar), originally written in Ethiopic. The book, published in 2013, has 247 pages. Its introduction offers interesting information on the socio-religious and political context for a better understanding of the reign of King Susenyos. The Chronicle is particularly interesting for it gives a description and a portrait of the King from the perspective of Ethiopian authors. A view of an insider is indeed quite valuable for the study of the historical context. Besides, one may compare the chronicles with the more or less contemporary writings of European missionaries who describe the events of reign. The period is particularly important for the king had converted to Catholicism, leading to internal tensions and opposition, culminating with a civil war between the defenders of the king and those who preferred the Orthodox faith. The king will finally abdicate and will be replaced by his son Fasilidas who banns Catholicism and expels the Portuguese and Spanish Jesuit missionaries.
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