5 comments about The Race for Timbuktu: In Search of Africa's City of Gold.

1. Early 19th century adventurers and fortune hinters were enthralled by the story of a lost city which no European had seen, which held riches galore. The wide-ranging and popular legend would foster rival attempts to reach this mysterious place: attempts chronicled in fast-paced adventure in THE RACE FOR TIMBUKTU: IN SEARCH OF AFRICA'S CITY OF GOLD. Europeans eager to exploit the resources of Africa's mysterious lands were fascinated by the legend of Timbuktu, and in 1924 the French Geographical Society offered a cash prize for the first expedition from any nation to return from Timbuktu. THE RACE FOR TIMBUKTU narrows the focus to two men whose goals fostered a heated competition to win.
   
   Diane C. Donovan, Editor
   California Bookwatch



2. This is the story of man's perserverance beyond the borders of sanity. Though the main story is about Laing and Clapperton, it is the story of everyman who ever wondered what was on the other side of the mountain; and also to find a fabled city of gold such as El Dorado, Shangri-La or the fountain of youth.
   
   The book itself is written in a straight forward manner and in some ways is more travelogue than historical narrative. When at his best, Kryza gives us the story behind the story and when available from the travellers own journals, their own reasons for going into 'the white mans grave yard'.
   
   All of these 'African Travellers' were men of single mind (if not slight insanity) to find either the fabled gold city of Timbuktoo or the mouth of the Niger River. Now the last may seem easy or ridiculous (since they already were busy on this part of the river) except that the river had so many names for different parts. Europeans only knew the Niger by this name on the upper part that could be reached overland from the Gambian coast of west africa. The bottom of the river was known as the Oil River (because of what floated on top of the river naturally), but no one had followed it's full length. Mostly because of rapids and hostile tribes.
   
   These men who walked or rode camels across some of the most desolate land in the world, never seemed to understand how the harsh climate had molded the men who lived in it. At some times they were past the level of naivete that you would expect from grown men. They complain in their journals about sand and desert and lack of water, but what were they expecting to find. A crossing of such hostile land couldn't be a walk in the park since there were no parks to walk in.
   
   In truth none of these men was a true explorer, in the sense of Stanley or Lewis/Clark, in that they all hoped for acclaim and glory as their reward. The reward was what they hoped for first, and exploring was only a way to get there. But needless to say these were brave, if foolish men.
   
   Kryza does a great job in keeping the action up and keeping us interested in who was doing what, and who got to where first, and who was trying to prevent some one else from getting there first and why.



3. The Race For Timbuktu is a fun and interesting read. It does a good job of covering the voyages of Alexander Laing and those who proceeded him. The writing is generally good and the story well told.
   
   In short, Timbuktu was a legendary city of gold and wealth in the middle of Africa. A sort of Shangri-La that really existed, even if not in the wealth imagined. Given the importance of Africa to the European powers at the start of the 19th century, France and England raced to find the fabled city and the source of the Niger River. The book focuses on England's explorers such as Denham, Chapperton and Oudney. Followed by a solid biography of Alexander Laing, who eventually discovered Timbuktu. In the process a good glimpse of European affairs in the Sahara is provided.
   
   So why only three stars? First this book needs maps-- desperately. I am amazed how many books I have read lately lack them. How hard is it for a publisher to get a map, draw the routes taken by multiple explorers on them and publish them in the book? Somehow it seems obvious and yet where are they? Second some pictures might be nice so one can see, or glimpse the regions described. Third, the author often repeats himself. How many times do we need to know Emma Warrington took unescorted walks with the son of the French Ambassador?
   
   Fourth and most important, the author does little to provide African context for the events. Cities, empires, and rulers appear in the narrative, but little is said about them. This especially hurts when a people, the Taureg tribe, appear over and over with very little context. I recommend reading this book with one's internet link to Wikipedia or Encylcopedia Britannica open to answer obvious questions.
   
   One last little thing, on P. 149 the author refers to Herodotus documenting a Roman garrison. Herodotus pre-dates roman times by a few centuries and did not write on Rome but on Greece and Persia. He also places a city in the Sudan which is clearly in Nigeria. Other mistakes may be present.



4. This is a tale of hardships, courage, greed, betrayal, stubbornness and determination that reveals much about the men that searched for Timbuktu and the mouth of the Niger River at the beginning of the age of European exploration in central sub-Saharan Africa.
   
   The men who undertook the dangerous journeys came from a diverse range of backgrounds but they all shared some personality traits. Determination to fulfil their objectives and courage in the face of extreme hardships are the common threads that linked the major figures even when they were in contest with each other.
   
   The names of most of these explorers are unfamiliar to the average reader but their adventures into Africa and their successes, in accomplishing the objectives set for them by the Foreign Offices and Societies who funded them, shaped the colonial and post-colonial world of Africa.
   
   The writing is not the best of this genre but the material allows the reader to overlook convoluted sentences and the occasional poorly edited paragraphs and some questionable statements of facts. The men who were participants, willing and unwilling, in the early years of primarily British exploration of central and west Africa are drawn from the pages of journals, books and letters of the actors. It is interesting, and enlightening, to read of the complexities of the political dynamics of the region. The rulers and advisers of the regions into which these explorers went were well informed about affairs as far removed from them as British activities in India. Much of what was lost by the over whelming forces of colonialism is glimpsed in the descriptions of the people of the regions by the explorers.
   
   It is in the end an account that helps the reader to understand the manner in which Africa was opened up to the rest of the world regardless of the desires and needs of its inhabitants. The overwhelming changes that would come after Laing and his contemporaries had mapped the area are for another book. These men were products of their time and must be seen as such. Kryza does a good job at doing just that. Their courage and determination were beyond question. Laing, Clapperton, Denham, among others, may have faded from public memory but they helped change Africa forever.



5. Alexander Gordon Laing is the most romantic of Timbuktu's explorers. But his story is less known than those of Mungo Park or Caillie because of two reasons:
   1) he didn't write a book on his travels (he died on his way back)
   2) Caillie's success and description of the city destroyed the golden myth of Timbuktu and people lost interest on the city.
   An excellent and complete research on Laing's story.
   My only criticism goes to the edition, not the book itself. I bought the paperback edition and the tiny size of the images and maps, together with the printing quality, makes it very difficult to enjoy the excellent graphic material. If the hardcover is of a bigger size, go ahead and buy it.

5 comments about Arctic Crossing: One Man's 2,000-Mile Odyssey Among the Inuit.

1. in Arctic Crossing Jonathan Waterman, Kabloona extraordinaire gives us a a great gift. This guy can write, this guy can listen to the silence, this guy can paddle,hike, take in the wonder and freezing cold andbring it back home to those of us all warm in our living rooms. this guy is amazing.



2. Who was it who said, "less is more"? That's one truth that stands out in Jonathan Waterman's "Artic Crossing" - a epical solo trip of the Northwest Passage done without fanfare, without oodles of sponsorship dough. I liked the author's cool, understated writing style, the wry observations about his sufferings and about the Inuits. No hyperbole, none of self-inflation that is so common in adventure writing, this book is truly believable. A wonderful read.



3. Jon Waterman is a writer who belongs between the hardcovers. His explorations and introspection make for compelling reading.



4. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author keeps you engrossed in his story through thick and thin. He admits his faults and mistakes and you learn along with him. I doubt anyone will not like this book.



5. Jonathan Waterman travels over 2,200 miles across the roof of the World. He tells us about the people, places, and history of the land he moves over. Sometimes moving by boat and sometimes moving by dog sled he absorbs the culture, good or bad, of the Inuit life. Alone for weeks at a time he has to deal with the cold, the bears and the weather. Along with fear and loneliness. Sometimes sad, something wonderful, always truthful, this is the book for people who love history mixed with travel and adventure.

1 comments about Ghana. Understanding the People and their Culture.

1. This is a very low quality printed book. I do not recommend it for the price they are charging. I would pay something less then $10 but nothing more then that. I talked to one of the individuals who is reading it and he says it is o.k. I am just saying that it is very low quality and I will look for something else for this premium price.

No comments about Rwanda/Burundi Map by ITMB.

5 comments about Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa (Hardcover).

1. I saw this book right after returning from a trip to Mt Kilimanjaro, and was amazed by the high fidelity of the images in the book. I believe it truly captures the essence of the moutain. The main risk related with this book is that, after reading it, you may find yourself dreaming with this moutain. It also contains an interesting introduction to the mountain's and the surrounding area's history.



2. The Mountain Club of Kenya recently (and regrettably) acquired a copy of this book. Using the Club library, I read it and was shocked to see that some of the Club's photographs had been used to illustrate it (e.g. picture of Arthur Firmin); apparently without the Club's permission. National Geographic and Audrey Salkeld should be sued for copyright infringement.

   Kilimanjaro is a much over-rated mountain. Serious mountaineers don't go anywhere near it unless they are herding the countless tourists up and down. It is filthy pig-sty and clients are forced to pay ridiculously high charges for the privilege of "climbing" (actually walking up) it.

   Salkeld completely ignores this fact, as she ignores the fact that all the local guides on the mountain know absolutely nothing about mountaineering and what they do know is downright dangerous! She ignores the fact that 20-odd people a year die on the mountain; completely needlessly as they rush up too fast, trying to save some money on the outrageously high park fees charged daily by the authorities. She ignores the fact that on average, for every tourist (please don't call them "climbers", Salkeld), there are at least two "guides" or porters, collectively three times more people on the mountain than is necessary: rubbishing the environment, chopping down trees for fuel, eroding away at the trails, defecating in the water sources.

   In short, Salkeld wrote a typically boring tome that poses as a coffee-table book. And National Geographic, supposedly a serious scientific and geographic society, published something akin to the worst papparazi tabloids.

   I won't be buying this book.




3. I just returned from "climbing" Mt Kilimajaro. I use quotes because one reviewer seems to think it's not. This was one of the hardest things I've done. I saw this book on my guide's desk and began reading it. I was totally empressed by the history and photos. The memories of what I had just done came flooding back. There was an aerial photo of the crater that took my breath away. I have the movie and now I have the book. The book is kept right next to my certificate from the park and the picture album of my climb. I recommend this wonderful book (and the IMAX movie) to anyone who had climbed the mountain, plans on climbing, or just enjoys the beauty that is Mt Kilimanjaro.



4. Absolutely beautiful book. Gave as a gift to a niece who had just returned from climbing Kilimanjaro; she rated it excellent.



5. Entertaining and informative book. The authors command over the language is impressive. I am visiting Kilimanjaro soon and I found the book gives a good insight into what the trip will be like. The book is full of historic information, both natural and human. Vivid photos, as expected of a National Geographic book, though I would prefer less glossy and minute details - if too much of a natural attraction is revealed in advance, the real experience is usually a let-down. I am itching to see the corresponding I-Max movie now, though after my trip.

5 comments about Notes from My Travels: Visits with Refugees in Africa, Cambodia, Pakistan and Ecuador.

1. This was a great book, i am soo glad i bought it. It really made things real and showed you the reality of what goes on in the world outside the bubble of your own perspective and own country. I would recommend this for everyone, even if your not an angelina fan because everyone should know about these living conditions that are how a large portion of the world are subjected too and it really makes you appreciate what you have. I wish that the book was longer i loved it so much!.



2. One of the most treasured books in my home library, Angie's courage and compassion for those less fortunate comes alive in every page of this book. This book is very inspiring and very humbling at the same time. My respect for Angelina has increased a thousand fold from reading this gem...plus she is donating all her proceeds to the UNHCR! I hope she writes more books!



3. Angelina Jolie has a very personal connection with those who are in hard circumstances like the poor in Africa, one can speculate why but cannot realistically claim it is not sincere. She spends a lot of her time and money there and writes with warmth and humility. She expresses appreciation for those things in other areas that help keep poverty and related problems at bay. A good read as a eyewitness account of what people are going through but also a meaningful social commentary, most of all I find this book an inspiring example of how to bravely contribute whatever one can.



4. These extracts from Angelina's journal provide a unique insight into the plight of refugees all over the world. It is heart-wrenching to read about the terrible ordeals these people have faced during war & continue to face even after the fighting is over. The courage they show during such adversity is humbling & inspiring to the last page. A must-read book if you have any interest in the plight of your fellow man.



5. AUTOBIOGRAPHY ON ANGELINE JOLIE AND A LOG OF HER TRAVELS FOR THE UNITED NATION. VERY INTERESTING. JM

1 comments about National Geographic Traveler: Egypt 2nd Edition (National Geographic Traveler).

1. I received this book as a gift prior to a vacation in Egypt. Although it is laden with amazing National Geographic photos and some great background information, Lonely Planet does a much better job of actually guiding the reader through Egypt. LP has much more detailed hotel/restaurant/tour outfitter (ie snorkeling gear in the red sea, camel treks, felucca rentals) information and detailed maps. I'm glad my friends brough it along with them.

5 comments about Songs to an African Sunset: A Zimbabwean Story.

1. I experienced many different emotions while reading this book. Oftentimes, I found humor where it wasn't expected--the author's 1000 brick punishment for the man who had stolen her bedspread, the feminist caricatures, as well as, the antics at the baby shower (who'da thunk it? ). Similarly, I was also discouraged where it wasn't expected--the medical student who wanted to marry the author's, likely HIV+, sister-in-law (discouraged because if he didn't understand/care about the risk he was taking, how could any of his other relatives?). Furthermore, I was also unpleasantly surprised at the author's depiction of rampant infidelity in the book.

   Finally, I particularly enjoyed the stories about the author's mother. She appears to be a particularly savvy and strong woman. Specifically, I found the story of her first beer quite remarkable.

   Overall, I've assumed this book to be, like "I, Rigoberta Menchu," auto-biographical in nature and non-fiction that's *based on* the truth of a people. Unfortunately, I don't know if that's a good assumption.




2. Nzenza retuns to Zimbabwe after many years abroad in Australia. She brings with her a husband and child. As they learn the ropes of Zimbabwe and meet her extended family in the village, Nzenza id dealing with family members that are either dying or have died, most from AIDS. It is a touching book, composed of seperate tales, but connected stories.

   She speaks very clearly of her appreciation of the village and her love for the people there. At the same time she speaks from the knowledge that she can not return to live there, having spent too much time in Western cities with conveniences that the village lacks. I enjoyed the portraits of the village she paints and could easily see the picture she laid out.

   The stories of AIDS and it's debilitating effect on Zimbabwean life was saddening. I can only hope future portraits can touch on a Zimbabwe that has conquered this disease.




3. Nzenza is one of our women who went to the West, but realized she belong in soil of her people, the beautiful country of Africa. She reccounts how much misery the West has brought t Africa, but is able to rediscover true African life, family traditions, witchcraft, etc. She has come back to her truly natural life and the place where she belong to, the earth that nurtured us for all generations, our true mother. Brothers and Sisters, you can't miss reading her experience if you don't feel like this. Read and feel. And I became very emotional when reading that book. Speak to our African hart, sister Sekai.



4. The complex journey back to Sekai's roots in this autobiography, begins with her taking a trip back to Zimbabwe to visit her family. The book revolves mainly around the events that happen to her and around herin Zimbabwe. I think that the theme of the book is really re-discovering your roots, and finding your true heritage. I found this book to be very easy to relate to, as i am familiar with the land of Zimbabwe and some of the phrases and words used in the book. Many of these elements are the foundation of Sekai's complex story, which captures your attention instantly.
   My only critisism about the book is that sometimes the author goes so deeply into a subject, that she gets slightly off track. I personally was drawn into the book by the authors use of catchy sentences and complex ideas that made me want to keep reading.
   In conclusion, I'd recomend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with a cultural and ethnic flare to it.



5. I think the subject matter has potential- an african female expatriate coming back home (Zim) after life in the 'West'. Unfortunately, the writing feels very disjointed and uninspiring. I also got the sort of nagging feeling I get reading national geographic or hearing someone on tv talk about 'Africa'. Her gaze on her own culture just felt somewhat imperialistic/euro-centric. This is not because she criticizes certain aspects of her country (after all, such Nigerian greats like Chinua Achebe, Soyinka, Helon Habila, Ngozi Adichie, etc., do that- self-reflection is needed!), but because her character/her voice in this book feels insincere. For one thing, I was not impressed with her husband. If none of his friends (or himself for that matter) understand her african centeredness, why is she with him in the first place?
   So I think the writing is not-so-great, the subject matter is interesting but not covered critically and reflectively (if that's a word) enough, and I almost wonder why she wrote this book.

No comments about Tanzania Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs).

2 comments about Africa.

1. Leni Riefenstahl's book Africa is simply a huge compilation, a massive photo journal; page after page after page of full sized photographs depicting both the people / their culture and the land of Africa. (Other than the photos, the book is quite spare of words, chapter titles, that's it.) Riefenstahl's work is very strong but not particularly arty or glossy. True to her filmmaker's voice however, every picture tells a story. (*An important side note, it's ALL photographs. There is very little text to critique.)
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves similar photography as what you would see in National Geographic or Angela Fisher's books such as Africa Adorned and African Cermonies.



2. When I first saw this book the first thing that came into my mind was that I need it badly. I was simply astonished by the amazing pictures Leni Riefenstahl composed. If someone wants to see the beginning of our civilization and feel it up, close and personal, then this book is a must. Other than having a picture about how man survives in harmony with Mother Nature, one can see how beautiful the human body is in itself.