Journey to the Source of the Nile - Hardcover

Ondaatje, Christopher

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002000199 ISBN 13: 9780002000192

Publisher: Harper Collins, 1998

Synopsis

In a series of experiences between 1856 and 1877, several British-born explorers tried to unravel the mystery of the source of the Nile. This river, the longest in the world, flowed through the desert, bringing life in its floodwater every year. Where did all this water come from? Christopher Ondaatje, long fascinated with Richard Burton and wishing to relive his 1856 African exploration, prepared for this journey by studying the expeditions of several Victorian travellers, for each had returned with part of the answer to the Nile's riddle. In 1996 Ondaatje followed the Victorian explorers' routes, to see for himself what they had seen. Although acutely aware that their claims of "discovering" a mountain or river were ridiculous, he quickly realized that he was indeed on a journey of discovery, and that the search for truth is often about finding new and better questions, not just answers. His trek across the Serengeti Plains to Olduvai Gorge provides the most striking revelation of all: the forces which shaped the Nile may also have triggered the evolution of the human race.

About this title

About the Author:

Christopher Ondaatje was born in Ceylon and educated in England. He has worked for several magazines and newspapers and is the author of six books, including the best-selling biography of Victorian explorer Richard Burton, Sindh Revisited. A director of the World Wildlife Fund and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he lives in London, England.

Review:

In "Nile," Ondaatje provides a great look at 19th century travelers who explored Africa, and why they did it. Some went for money, others for glory, and still others for something more. -- Laurence Chollet, Melbourne Florida Today, Jan 2, 2000

The book is very well done. Each chapter begins with a small map showing the specific area described. ... His pictures are beautiful and capture the vastness of the country. ... A complete chronology, bibliography and index are included. This book is excellent for any class studying Africa; it provides a great deal of information along with many points for discussion. -- KLIATT Nov 1999

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Collins
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0002000199
• ISBN 13: 9780002000192
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384