A Short History of Benin is a non-fiction book by Jacob Egharevba, first published in 1934 by the Church Mission Society Press in Lagos.

The book explores the beginnings, culture, and political structure of the Benin Empire, as well as the events leading to its British invasion and Ovonramwen's exile in 1897.

However, the book has also been criticised for its inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and biases, especially in relation to the origin of the Benin people and their relationship with other ethnic groups, such as the Yoruba and the Itsekiri.

[1] He was influenced by the works of European scholars, such as Henry Ling Roth, Dudley Kidd, and Thomas Hodgkin, who had written about the Benin art, culture, and history.

[2] He was also motivated by the desire to counter the negative stereotypes and misconceptions about the Benin people that were propagated by some European writers and colonial officials.

It offers an overview of rulers, Queen Mothers, Princesses, titleholders, and war commanders, and outlines chieftaincy institutions like the Edaikan (crown prince) and warfare.

[15] Each edition differed; all were revised and expanded, with certain facts and details either omitted or supplemented with additional materials from unpublished and published sources.

The book investigates diverse theories and traditions regarding the origin and migration of the Benin people, tracing their lineage from Egypt, Sudan, Nupe, and Ile-Ife.

It also explains the inception and functions of some of the important titles and offices in the Benin political system, such as the Uzama, the Eghaevbo, the Iwebo, the Ibiwe, and the Iweguae.

[11][18][6] The book has also been critiqued for its inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and biases, particularly regarding the origins of the Benin people and their relations with other ethnic groups, such as the Yoruba and the Itsekiri.

Some critics have noted the contradictions in Egharevba's views and interpretations, as well as the influences that affected his writing, such as European scholarship, colonial administration, and local politics.