A Labyrinth of Kingdoms
10,000 Miles through Islamic Africa
Steve Kemper (Author)
A true story that rivals the travels of Burton or Stanley for excitement, and surpasses them in scientific achievements.
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. Though he made his journey
for the British government, he has never had a biography in English. Barth and
his achievements have fallen through a crack in history.
Book Details
- Hardcover
- June 2012
-
ISBN 978-0-393-07966-1
- 6.6 × 9.6 in
/ 432 pages
- Territory Rights: Worldwide
Other Formats
-
Paperback
Endorsements & Reviews
“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
“...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
“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
“Mr. Kemper has written an enjoyable account of Barth's great journey packed with arresting details....” — Tim Jeal, Wall Street Journal
“A Labyrinth of Kingdoms is a fascinating account both of one man's journey and of African cultures on the eve of European expansion.... Barth's story is equal parts adventure and scholarship. Kemper treats both with a sure hand.” — Shelf Awareness
“Sometimes a book grabs you by the throat and won’t let you put it down. I recently experienced that with Steve Kemper’s A Labyrinth of Kingdoms: 10,000 Miles Through Islamic Africa.” — Pamela Toler, author of History in the Margins
“If you have an ounce of historical exploratory curiosity in your veins, course through this forgotten tale. Timbuktu awaits.” — Robert F. Wells, Expedition News
“Heinrich Barth belongs in the ranks of the greatest explorers of Africa. But unlike most of the others, he was less interested in imperial conquest and self-promotion than in the cultures, the peoples, the languages, and the ancient manuscripts that he found there. It's a pleasure to see a lively, readable biography of him in English at last.” — Adam Hochschild, author of King Leopold's Ghost and To End All Wars
“Kemper's majestic account of Barth's journey restores the reputation of an explorer who was as passionate about science as he was about rigorous travel. It's an enthralling adventure, captivatingly told.” — Ziauddin Sardar, The Times (UK)
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