1 comments about The Lake Regions of Central Africa: From Zanzibar to Lake Tanganyika (Volume 1) (Volume 1).

1. The book is a detailed chronological account of nearly three years of difficult travel between Zanzibar and Lake Tanganyika, circa the late 1850's. Nothing escapes Burton's observation. He writes of everything from the local hairstyles to the price of pombe (African beer). He gives detailed descriptions of the landscape, geography, flora, and fauna. He writes of Arabs and the Eastern slave trade. He depicts safari life in the days of human porters and mules. He tells of the people he encounters, though his descriptions of Africans may be offensive to some. There is a wealth of information here, something for everyone with an interest in Eastern Africa, or exploration, or imperialism. The place names have sometimes changed from Burton's time to ours, as have the English spelling conventions of Swahili words. Anyone with any interest in Eastern Africa, especially the precolonial period, should arm themselves with a good atlas and reference book and read Burton.

   Burton led an amazing life of exploration and scholarship [he wrote "The Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah" after disguising himself as an Arab to travel to the sacred city; he visited Salt Lake City and wrote "City of the Saints"; after exploring in South America he wrote "Explorations of the Highlands of Brazil"; and he translated the "Arabian Nights" and poetry of Luís de Camões], still he may not be an easy writer to come to terms with for many contemporary readers. He is far from what we would call "politically correct". But he wrote so much and so well, and is practically the only writer to travel in Eastern Africa in the 1850's that is in print today (except for John Hanning Speke who was with him on this trip, and who wrote "Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile").

   To put this book in context it is wise to read something about Burton, particulary Burton and Speke in Africa; know why in "Lake Regions" Burton never refers to Speke by name. (There are a few Burton biographies, and books about Burton and Speke; or see the movie: "Mountains of the Moon")

3 comments about Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa (Volume 2).

1. In his book on Nile exploration, Moorehead speaks of Livingstone as possessing "baraka"--the quality of making everything seem better just by his presence. Livingstone's humanity and generosity of spirit illuminate this book. The details of his journey through Southern Africa are interesting and vivid, though not crammed with incident. Modern readers will be interested in Livingstone's observations on race relations in the different colonial settlements of the region. But the highlight of the book for me was the personality of Livingstone himself, his sympathy and insight, his matter-of-fact documentation of danger and hardship, his global perspective. A particularly rewarding read if Speke and Burton have left you with a bad taste in your mouth.



2. David Livingston was an incredible man. He explored areas of Africa that had been previoulsy ignored by most of Europe. His notes on the regions he explored and the people he encountered are meticulous and fascinating. Prior to his visit to the region of Nyasaland, every year between 5,000-20,000 slaves were being sold to slave traders in the region. Livingston attacked the slave trade head on and was largely responsible for its downfall in that area. While some of his personal notes would be considered ignorant or offensive by modern standards, he was progressive and open minded for his time. He is a great historical figure who is too often ignored.



3. Amazon doesn't tell you that this book is Volume 1 of 2. Additionally, when you receive the book and find out it is 1 of 2, you can't buy Volume 2. Apparently what is needed is the following ISBN, which is supposed to contain both volumes: 1-58976-287-8. Very poor identification on the Amazon website.

No comments about Discovery of the Nile.

No comments about Mountains of Africa.

1 comments about Lonely Planet Central Africa.

1. Central Africa is almost undoubtedly the least touristic, among the inhabited region of our Planet - and unfortunately so, for it offers wonders that few other parts of the world can offer. You can paddle a canoe down a junge river for weeks on end, hunt with the Pygmies, climb an active volcano, come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla, trek through the snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, join a search for white rhinos, dance all night to Congo music, have a bath on the unique beaches of São Tomé & Principe... Due to the very limited touristic facilities of the region, it would appear that Lonely Planet has never re-printed this 1994 edition of the guidebook, nor published a new one. This is why, despite the fact that the book is clearly well out of date, it surely remains the best guide to the region. Its advice on hotels and restaurants may no longer be perfect, but its wide sections on culture and society, its maps, its general advice, remain irreplaceable tools for the traveler.

1 comments about Shack Chic: Art and Innovation In South African Shack-Lands.

1. I bought Shack Chic as a "souvenier" after spending a summer working in the Cape Town townships with the youth there - I cannot think of a better object to take home and represent to my friends and family Cape Town's townships and South Africa as a nation. This photo-essay book, with brilliant colors and spectacular images, is a testament to the strength of South Africans and their innovation and resourcefulness even in the most destitute of living conditions. Portrays poverty in the post-Apartheid era not as the romanticized victimization of people but the hopeful and perservering will of humankind to live with digity.

No comments about The Rough Guide to Zanzibar.

5 comments about Madagascar (Photo & Sexy Books).

1. Barbieri's book is full of stunning photos that obviously exploit the Malagasy. Sadly, he does the Malagasy people no justice whatsoever. This poverty-stricken population isn't always this serious; they are some of the most soulful, hopeful people I have ever met and have gorgeous, smiling eyes and faces. The DIS-service Barbieri does them is because he didn't do his homework. If he had, he would have found out a)they are Malagasy, not Madagascan and b)their beauty is best portrayed in natural settings, not ridiculous, dramatic poses. Remember, however, that this is a "coffee-table" book, not the news; the truth is a very different story. I'm curious as to whether the other reader/reviewer has been to Mad, or are her/his views the result of political correctness? Was s/he serious about the fashion model comment? Manual labor yields physical strength - the Malagasy work hard I saw plenty of 6-pack abs and sculpted physiques there.



2. madagascar is a beautiful island and the people are the friendliest i have ever encountered. after spending 4 months living and working among them i found that their devotion to God is second to none and their ability to find joy despite what the world would describe as humble circumstances is unparalleled. this disappointing book doesn't accurately portray madagascar nor the people who live there. personally it offends me and i wouldn't recommend it to anyone.



3. I think I must offer this review to help to balance the negative reviews that are here. This is a work of stunningly beautiful photography. Clearly, Barbieri has gone beyond his usual fashion domain with these photographs. The works have an anthropological sense, but they show the photographers great appreciation for the people of the island of Madagascar. The people come across with immense dignity, even though their poverty is sometimes apparent. What nudity is included seems very natural. This book is a fine work of art.



4. Having travelled in Madagascar, I was very interested to see Barbieri's book, MADAGASCAR, advertised by a bargain books dealer. I've always been fascinated by that faraway red island of Afro-Indonesian culture, lemurs, and chameleons. Since I'd read a number of good books about the place, none of which had extraordinary pictures, I thought this book would be an excellent addition to my small collection. I thought wrong.

   While I have to admit that Mr. Barbieri is an excellent photographer, with long experience in the world of fashion, I took strong objection to his way of portraying Madagascar. Some magnificent photographs of the world of nature, some portraits, and a few pictures of unusual objects are interspersed with what can only be described as homo-erotic photographs. I have nothing against that either, a Mapplethorpe is a necessary part of modern culture. What I DO object to is such photographs being in any way called "a picture of Madagascar" with absolutely no personal agenda mentioned. This is totally dishonest. Thus, this is a very dishonest book. Producing self-indulgent romantic fantasies is fine if the audience is aware of what is being done, but to pass off such stuff as being "about" a poor country inhabited by hospitable, cheerful people with intricate customs and traditions, people who are extremely modest in dress and behavior for the most part---this is an exercise in exploitation. At the very least we should have been told how these pictures were made. In colonial times, many writers and artists produced romantic works about far off colonies. These were then used to show how "happy and contented" the people were under colonial rule. In the introduction, reference is made to Paradise ! Give me a break ! What is the agenda here ? If someone says, "Come on, man, it's just a great collection of pictures." then they have failed to grasp the cultural dialogues of the last 40 years, they cannot see how people with technology and media access can so easily exploit those without. I absolutely don't recommend this book.




5. I meant to give a rating below 1 Star but since this is the lowest, I hope that potential readers won't throw away their hard earned cash in buying this book. If you still want to buy it, go to your local bookstore as you will have a greater chance of finding a DUSTY copy of this book: ... ... G.P. Barbieri is without contest a good snapshooter if one judges it from the TECHNICAL quality of his work. But where he fails is in his intellectual honesty: How could ... a book [like this be about ]Madagascar if it only contains mediocre nude or semi-nude works done at few huts at the shore of Madagascar? I think and agree with many readers ... that not only exploited and disrespected his subjects by including them in the wrong publication, but he has also made a disservice for all photographers out there who at least have the decency of intellectual honesty and respect to the art. But then, ... what is art and what isn't?

No comments about A Far Country.

No comments about 2008 Country Profile and Guide to Rwanda - National Travel Guidebook and Handbook - HIV and AIDS, American Aid, Clinton Visit, Business (Two CD-ROM Set).