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Guests | September 16, 2013

Poe Ballantine: IMG In Such a Crowded, Competitive, Opportunistic World, Why Would I Be the Only One to Write This Book?

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3 Burnside Featured Titles- History and Social Science
1 Burnside Africa- General
25 Local Warehouse Biography- General
25 Remote Warehouse World History- Africa

A Labyrinth of Kingdoms: 10,000 Miles Through Islamic Africa

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A Labyrinth of Kingdoms: 10,000 Miles Through Islamic Africa Cover

 

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

In 1849 Heinrich Barth joined a small British expedition into unexplored regions of Islamic North and Central Africa. One by one his companions died, but he carried on alone, eventually reaching the fabled city of gold, Timbuktu. His five-and-a-half-year, 10,000-mile adventure ranks among the greatest journeys in the annals of exploration, and his discoveries are considered indispensable by modern scholars of Africa.

Yet because of shifting politics, European preconceptions about Africa, and his own thorny personality, Barth has been almost forgotten. The general public has never heard of him, his epic journey, or his still-pertinent observations about Africa and Islam; and his monumental five-volume Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa is rare even in libraries. By delivering the first biography on Barth in English, Steve Kemper goes a long way to rescue this fascinating figure from obscurity.

Review:

"Steve Kemper’s elegant, richly rewarding biography should go a long way toward correcting [Barth’s obscurity]. On one level, the book is a superb chronicle of Barth’s travels, from the harrowing heat and physical danger to the dazzling diversity of people he encountered on his path. It’s also an astute character study of a relentlessly curious scientific personality." Kate Tuttle, Boston Globe

Review:

"If you have an ounce of historical exploratory curiosity in your veins, course through this forgotten tale. Timbuktu awaits." Robert F. Wells, Expedition News

Review:

"He approached his expedition with an open mind and a willingness to engage with those around him regardless of their social status. Barth’s insights into the commonalities that exist among different cultures remain relevant today." Booklist

Review:

"A spirited reconstruction of the arduous five-year trek into Central Africa by Heinrich Barth (1821–1865), a German scientist exploring for England....A nicely rounded literary study of an intrepid explorer undone by the cultural biases of the time." Kirkus Reviews

Synopsis:

A true story that rivals the travels of Burton or Stanley for excitement, and surpasses them in scientific achievements.
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About the Author

Steve Kemper is the author of Code Name Ginger. His work has appeared in many national publications, including Smithsonian and National Geographic. He lives in West Hartford, Connecticut.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780393346237
Subtitle:
10,000 Miles Through Islamic Africa
Author:
Kemper, Steve
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Subject:
Africa
Subject:
Biography - General
Copyright:
2013
Publication Date:
20130831
Binding:
TRADE PAPER
Language:
English
Pages:
448
Dimensions:
8.25 x 5.5 in
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Related Subjects

Biography » General
Featured Titles » History and Social Science
History and Social Science » Africa » General
History and Social Science » World History » Africa
Religion » Eastern Religions » Philosophy General
Travel » Africa » General

A Labyrinth of Kingdoms: 10,000 Miles Through Islamic Africa New Trade Paper
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Product details 448 pages W. W. Norton & Company - English 9780393346237 Reviews:
"Review" by , "Steve Kemper’s elegant, richly rewarding biography should go a long way toward correcting [Barth’s obscurity]. On one level, the book is a superb chronicle of Barth’s travels, from the harrowing heat and physical danger to the dazzling diversity of people he encountered on his path. It’s also an astute character study of a relentlessly curious scientific personality."
"Review" by , "If you have an ounce of historical exploratory curiosity in your veins, course through this forgotten tale. Timbuktu awaits."
"Review" by , "He approached his expedition with an open mind and a willingness to engage with those around him regardless of their social status. Barth’s insights into the commonalities that exist among different cultures remain relevant today."
"Review" by , "A spirited reconstruction of the arduous five-year trek into Central Africa by Heinrich Barth (1821–1865), a German scientist exploring for England....A nicely rounded literary study of an intrepid explorer undone by the cultural biases of the time."
"Synopsis" by , A true story that rivals the travels of Burton or Stanley for excitement, and surpasses them in scientific achievements.
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