John Edward Philips (born 1952) is an American historian.
He is a retired Professor of International Society, Hirosaki University of Japan, with many works on African history.
Regarding Slave Elites in the Middle East and Africa: A Comparative Study (2000), reviewer Linda S. Northrup states: "This volume constitutes a rich resource for the study of slavery and slave elites....the research may extend well beyond the interests of historians, for the study of this phenomenon may have implications for understanding the roots of instability in the Islamic world today.
His edited book Writing African History (2005), was named a Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2006.
[2] Reviewer Saheed Aderinto states:This book is to date the most multidisciplinary volume on African historiography....The editor adds value to the content of the essays with a brilliant introduction and conclusion, which explore the meaning of history and historical research.