- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins World; 1st Edition edition (6 April 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0060560649
- ISBN-13: 978-0060560645
- Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 15.5 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
636,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #6 in Books > History > Countries & Regions > Africa > Western > Mali
- #52 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Africa > West Africa
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Product Description
Review
"A treat for fans of Saharan exploration." -- Kirkus Reviews
Product Description
This book is a dramatic true adventure. It is the first book-length account of Laing's expedition. It appeals to readers of travel, exploration, and adventure writing and was extracted in the travel section of national newspaper eg "FT". This is the incredible true story of Alexander Gordon Laing and the race to discover Timbuktu during the early part of the 19th century - a time when the African continent was still largely uncharted. In the first decades of 19th century, no place burned more brightly in the imagination of European geographers and fortune hunters, than the lost city of Timbuktu. Like the mythical city of El Dorado, the very real Timbuktu held the promise of wealth and fame. Whoever got there first was guaranteed worldwide renown. Yet, though many had tried, no European explorer had been there and returned since the Middle Ages. In 1824, the French Geographical Society offered a cash prize for the first expedition from any nation to return from Timbuktu. The British, unwilling to depend on the fate of one explorer, sent several "African travelers" on their way. "The Race for Timbuktu" focuses on two of these men: Alexander Gordon Laing, the book's protagonist and "voice," and Hugh Clapperton, the man who would become his greatest rival. The book follows Laing and Clapperton on their arduous journeys across the unforgiving Sahara, in constant battle against the elements, illness, attack, and time, to be the first white man to reach the fabled gates of Timbuktu. The story of their expeditions also serves as a narrative history of the European colonization of Africa, the "Great Scramble" that resulted in nearly every square yard of Africa occupied by European nations. "The Race for Timbuktu" offers a close personal look at the extraordinary people and pivotal events of 19th century African exploration that changed the course of history and the shape of the modern world.
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ON MAY 9, 1825, in the silver half-light of dawn, HM Brig Gannet sailed at six knots into the southern Mediterranean port of Tripoli, all but her foresail furled to reduce her speed in the propelling breeze. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
ON MAY 9, 1825, in the silver half-light of dawn, HM Brig Gannet sailed at six knots into the southern Mediterranean port of Tripoli, all but her foresail furled to reduce her speed in the propelling breeze. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
At the beginning of the 19th Century, says Frank Kryza, Europeans knew little about the interior of Africa. "It was easier to map the surface of the Moon with a telescope", he notes. Africa's reputation as the "Dark Continent" arose from that ignorance. Illumination was long in coming and a costly endeavour. Kryza, although focussing on A. Gordon Laing's expedition to find Timbuktu, also covers the efforts of his British competitors. The focus point was the fabled city of Timbuktu. Known from antiquity, Timbuktu was considered the key to knowledge of the course of the Niger River. Further exploration and trade benefits would accrue to the European nation that could establish facilities there. Kryza's lively account of the competition to reach the city is an informative and almost thrilling read.
The Niger was nearly as mysterious a river as the Nile. In the early 1820s, the source of the Nile remained unknown, and it was believed by some that it might be the Niger. Those who had seen the Niger flowing eastward across Africa could readily accept that. Laing didn't concur with that suggestion, but it would take effort to learn the truth. The rewards for success were great and Laing wasn't alone in his drive to reach the isolated city. The loss of earlier explorers such as Mungo Park didn't discourage other adventurers from queueing for the prize. Two primary routes lay open to the seekers - wending eastward from the Atlantic, or make the Sahara crossing from Tripoli. The first offered fevers, the second dehydration and death from thirst. Laing chose the Sahara route.
That choice meant escorts would be needed for protection in the crossing. The Sahara may be harsh and intimidating to outsiders, but it's the Tuareg's backyard. All travellers there risked banditry or murder. The bones of the unfortunate littered the trail south, so Laing's caravan followed an indirect route, doubling the length of the trek. The length of Laing's journey allows Kryza to insert a great deal of parallel information. Laing was not alone in his quest to find Timbuktu and learn where the Niger emerged. Hugh Clapperton, with one journey to his credit, intended to upstage Laing in reaching the "Golden City". At one point he even passed some rather condescending advice to Laing, perhaps misjudging the other's perception. Where Laing's journey was over the arid desert, Clapperton followed a jungle trail [when there was one] with its attendant insects and fevers. Kryza keeps the two stories moving along with animation, and if you don't know the history, he keeps the end of the contest well hidden until its culmination. Rarely has the British ideal of "muddle through" been more vividly displayed.
Kryza keeps a number of interesting sub-themes active in his account. Laing's mysterious marriage to the daughter of the British Consul in Tripoli is regularly referred to. Its importance is highlighted by the burgeoning competition between England and France in expanding colonial efforts in Africa. Indeed, Laing's own travel journals become the centre of a post-expedition conspiracy. In all, between the issues of national aspirations, international intrigue, personal relationships and individual heroism, Kryza has produced a capitivating read on a topic of major interest.
The Niger was nearly as mysterious a river as the Nile. In the early 1820s, the source of the Nile remained unknown, and it was believed by some that it might be the Niger. Those who had seen the Niger flowing eastward across Africa could readily accept that. Laing didn't concur with that suggestion, but it would take effort to learn the truth. The rewards for success were great and Laing wasn't alone in his drive to reach the isolated city. The loss of earlier explorers such as Mungo Park didn't discourage other adventurers from queueing for the prize. Two primary routes lay open to the seekers - wending eastward from the Atlantic, or make the Sahara crossing from Tripoli. The first offered fevers, the second dehydration and death from thirst. Laing chose the Sahara route.
That choice meant escorts would be needed for protection in the crossing. The Sahara may be harsh and intimidating to outsiders, but it's the Tuareg's backyard. All travellers there risked banditry or murder. The bones of the unfortunate littered the trail south, so Laing's caravan followed an indirect route, doubling the length of the trek. The length of Laing's journey allows Kryza to insert a great deal of parallel information. Laing was not alone in his quest to find Timbuktu and learn where the Niger emerged. Hugh Clapperton, with one journey to his credit, intended to upstage Laing in reaching the "Golden City". At one point he even passed some rather condescending advice to Laing, perhaps misjudging the other's perception. Where Laing's journey was over the arid desert, Clapperton followed a jungle trail [when there was one] with its attendant insects and fevers. Kryza keeps the two stories moving along with animation, and if you don't know the history, he keeps the end of the contest well hidden until its culmination. Rarely has the British ideal of "muddle through" been more vividly displayed.
Kryza keeps a number of interesting sub-themes active in his account. Laing's mysterious marriage to the daughter of the British Consul in Tripoli is regularly referred to. Its importance is highlighted by the burgeoning competition between England and France in expanding colonial efforts in Africa. Indeed, Laing's own travel journals become the centre of a post-expedition conspiracy. In all, between the issues of national aspirations, international intrigue, personal relationships and individual heroism, Kryza has produced a capitivating read on a topic of major interest.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
12 reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Fun read but
23 Dec 2006
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
High Adventure!
17 May 2006
Format:Hardcover
These expeditions make Lewis and Clark's look like a walk in the park. Where did these explorers get their grit, stamina, inspiration? ... especially those who had an idea of the hardships ahead. Thirsty, malnourished and wounded, they walk distances in 110 degrees that have killed their camels only to spend days digging a well that may or may not yield water. If you hit water, you fight with your entire caravan (man and beast) to have a crack at the sludge.
Kryza is at his best when he describes, be it a person, a relationship, dynamic or a place. His descriptions of Warrington, the Laing-Emma romance, Clapperton and Denham add dimension to the tale as do the discussions of the strange diplomacy in this Tripoli outpost.
Intriguing pictures are placed very nicely with the text they relate to. Kryza loves his material, and he gets us to love it too.
Whether you try the desert route or the Niger, the environment and the unpredictable people take toll on life itself. Fortunately, Kryza restrains description here so that this is pallatable for a general audience. While we might flinch from the page, we can read on.
I did wish for an earlier map than p. 88, and one that encompassed all routes described. Also, I didn't check the table of contents, so I wasn't aware what the race was. I kind of thought it was something that would emerge with Clapperton and Denham. The race actually begins half way through the book. The descriptions of the earlier expeditions are merely prologue. Perhaps a different title is needed, since the book is much wider than the "race".
I like having an afterward. (I've put down many books with long forwards, probably because I wasn't steeped enough in the story to appreciate the author's comments.) I also like the narrative chapter notes.
Kryza is at his best when he describes, be it a person, a relationship, dynamic or a place. His descriptions of Warrington, the Laing-Emma romance, Clapperton and Denham add dimension to the tale as do the discussions of the strange diplomacy in this Tripoli outpost.
Intriguing pictures are placed very nicely with the text they relate to. Kryza loves his material, and he gets us to love it too.
Whether you try the desert route or the Niger, the environment and the unpredictable people take toll on life itself. Fortunately, Kryza restrains description here so that this is pallatable for a general audience. While we might flinch from the page, we can read on.
I did wish for an earlier map than p. 88, and one that encompassed all routes described. Also, I didn't check the table of contents, so I wasn't aware what the race was. I kind of thought it was something that would emerge with Clapperton and Denham. The race actually begins half way through the book. The descriptions of the earlier expeditions are merely prologue. Perhaps a different title is needed, since the book is much wider than the "race".
I like having an afterward. (I've put down many books with long forwards, probably because I wasn't steeped enough in the story to appreciate the author's comments.) I also like the narrative chapter notes.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Great Read
8 Mar 2006
Format:Hardcover
If you enjoyed Rice's Sir Richard Burton, you will enjoy this book. It a fun read for a airplane ride. Kryza weaves an excellent tale in the search for the mythical city. You feel the stress and challenges of the early 19th century African explorers and marvel that the human body could accomplish the feat of these individuals under those circumstance. It is worth the price because it takes you back in time to a period where individual performance is truly measured.
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