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Travels into the Interior of Africa
Book by Park, Mungo
388 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1799
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About the author
Mungo Park
217 books5 followersMungo Park (1771 – 1806) was a Scottish explorer of the African continent. He was the first Westerner known to have traveled to the central portion of the Niger River.
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August 19, 2017
More than a year of traveling, on foot, sometimes on horseback or mule and enduring tropical rain, heat, hunger and thirst, dysentery and all kinds of fever.
There is a plan to this, to get as far up along the River Niger as at all possible, but with no maps and only relying on what you have heard and what you can procure of local guides.
Mungo Park did this, from June 21st, 1795 and spent nearly two years on his travels starting from the mouth of the Gambia River and slowly working his way to Silla in now Mali.
During that period, he was kept captive for 4 months by Moors and on the return journey bedridden for 7 months in Kamalia just outside Bamako. He was moving in and out between petty wars, was robbed several times, hunted down like an animal and chased through the wilderness and many times simply denied shelter or food.
On his second travel, nearly ten years later after, he followed the River Niger as far as Bussa in now Nigeria, and there, he found his tragic end.
You should think this would be prime material for bitterness and anger, but you have not met Mungo Park.
Having already made a name for himself as an adequate outdoor man in the East Indies, he was up for a new challenge when the Brits considered setting up trade stations as far as possible up the River Niger.
Unlike many other explorers at that time, he did not have much prejudice against the Africans. He travelled alone with local guides and even under the harshest circumstances he was a keen observer. He remained as calm as possible in any situation and showed an extraordinary determination.
He does not differ much in his view of the world from the average British gentleman of that time. He is not advocating for much change, some things have been as is from the beginning of time, but he does not buy into the thesis that the European race should be in any way superior to the Africans. He takes time to enquire and listen to old tales and tries to blend in, as well as he can.
Seen through our modern eyes, it is a barbaric tale. We may wish that such an educated man would have stood up against slavery, female circumcision, killing and ill-treating. But he does not. Mungo Park elaborately remains, almost, unbiased and reports what he sees and what he hears, always taking care that he has more than one source and carefully calculating the likelihood of any information he receives. Only a few times he mentions that “the poor negroes” would be better off with some Christianity than with Islam that rapidly spreads from Timbuctoo, south- and westwards.
I have always liked travel literature and I started at an early age reading of Livingstone and Stanley. I still dream of seeing Timbuctoo and while Livingstone was one of my inspirations for East Africa, Mungo Park will forever represent my visions of West Africa.
Safe journey!
This book is his diary.
There is a plan to this, to get as far up along the River Niger as at all possible, but with no maps and only relying on what you have heard and what you can procure of local guides.
Mungo Park did this, from June 21st, 1795 and spent nearly two years on his travels starting from the mouth of the Gambia River and slowly working his way to Silla in now Mali.
During that period, he was kept captive for 4 months by Moors and on the return journey bedridden for 7 months in Kamalia just outside Bamako. He was moving in and out between petty wars, was robbed several times, hunted down like an animal and chased through the wilderness and many times simply denied shelter or food.
On his second travel, nearly ten years later after, he followed the River Niger as far as Bussa in now Nigeria, and there, he found his tragic end.
You should think this would be prime material for bitterness and anger, but you have not met Mungo Park.
Having already made a name for himself as an adequate outdoor man in the East Indies, he was up for a new challenge when the Brits considered setting up trade stations as far as possible up the River Niger.
Unlike many other explorers at that time, he did not have much prejudice against the Africans. He travelled alone with local guides and even under the harshest circumstances he was a keen observer. He remained as calm as possible in any situation and showed an extraordinary determination.
He does not differ much in his view of the world from the average British gentleman of that time. He is not advocating for much change, some things have been as is from the beginning of time, but he does not buy into the thesis that the European race should be in any way superior to the Africans. He takes time to enquire and listen to old tales and tries to blend in, as well as he can.
Seen through our modern eyes, it is a barbaric tale. We may wish that such an educated man would have stood up against slavery, female circumcision, killing and ill-treating. But he does not. Mungo Park elaborately remains, almost, unbiased and reports what he sees and what he hears, always taking care that he has more than one source and carefully calculating the likelihood of any information he receives. Only a few times he mentions that “the poor negroes” would be better off with some Christianity than with Islam that rapidly spreads from Timbuctoo, south- and westwards.
I have always liked travel literature and I started at an early age reading of Livingstone and Stanley. I still dream of seeing Timbuctoo and while Livingstone was one of my inspirations for East Africa, Mungo Park will forever represent my visions of West Africa.
Safe journey!
This book is his diary.
August 1, 2007
Mungo Park was 24 when he set out in 1795 to follow the Gambia River inland and then through the interior to the River Niger, through then unknown regions of West Africa. The Scottish Park, educated as a botanist and a surgeon, traveled alone or with a few local guides, which was unusual in and of itself. More striking was his clear-sighted view of the societies he encountered and his lack of prejudice. In this respect he reminded me of another favorite West African explorer, Mary Kingsley. Park comes across as a simple, patient, and open-hearted man, endowed with a keen sense of humanity.
Park's expedition was fraught with incredible hardship. He was imprisoned for four months by one king, and robbed and beaten on more than one occasion. Conversely, often his survival depended on the kindness of poor villagers, who nursed and fed him when he was at death's door even though they had almost nothing themselves. Despite these ordeals, he faithfully recorded what he saw, noting in great detail the practices and beliefs of various peoples he encountered. His damning accounts of the slave trade in particular were unique and of singular interest.
Park finally managed to reach the Niger and traveled along the river for a short distance before being forced to turn back. When he finally made it home to Scotland (via America) in 1797, he found that he'd been presumed dead. His account of his travels, published in 1799, became extremely popular and has seldom been out of print since, even though he is not as well known today as later explorers such as Stanley, Burton, and Speke. Park and all his companions died during a much larger second expedition to Africa in 1806. Park was one of the last survivors of that ill-fated mission, but he reportedly drowned in some rapids after being attacked by hostile natives.
Park's expedition was fraught with incredible hardship. He was imprisoned for four months by one king, and robbed and beaten on more than one occasion. Conversely, often his survival depended on the kindness of poor villagers, who nursed and fed him when he was at death's door even though they had almost nothing themselves. Despite these ordeals, he faithfully recorded what he saw, noting in great detail the practices and beliefs of various peoples he encountered. His damning accounts of the slave trade in particular were unique and of singular interest.
Park finally managed to reach the Niger and traveled along the river for a short distance before being forced to turn back. When he finally made it home to Scotland (via America) in 1797, he found that he'd been presumed dead. His account of his travels, published in 1799, became extremely popular and has seldom been out of print since, even though he is not as well known today as later explorers such as Stanley, Burton, and Speke. Park and all his companions died during a much larger second expedition to Africa in 1806. Park was one of the last survivors of that ill-fated mission, but he reportedly drowned in some rapids after being attacked by hostile natives.
December 7, 2008
I studied this 19th century travelogue at university and was worried it would be dry and dull. I needn't have worried. This is a fantastic early travel piece, really giving a good sense of what it was like to wander around Africa during this period.
Mungo is a likeable and reliable narrator and his adventures often remarkable as well as education and enlightening. Although the story has an ultimately tragic conclusion, for the most part this is a life-affirming read.
Mungo is a likeable and reliable narrator and his adventures often remarkable as well as education and enlightening. Although the story has an ultimately tragic conclusion, for the most part this is a life-affirming read.
August 14, 2018
Journey of a young Scottish man into a part of Africa previously not explored by Europeans. This book allows the reader to re-live Parks journey in a place that will never exist again. Park took this trip and published his journal for the Royal Explorers Society in London (need to check the name). Because of this we now have an accurate veiw of the how highly developed and well functioning societies were in Africa during the 1700-1800's.
In addition to this book's historical significance, it is an exciting story about a man who takes a trip that causes him(stop reading if you don't want to know anything about the story itself) to be kidnapped by Moors and taken to the brink of death only to be granted mercy.
In addition to this book's historical significance, it is an exciting story about a man who takes a trip that causes him(stop reading if you don't want to know anything about the story itself) to be kidnapped by Moors and taken to the brink of death only to be granted mercy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2012
"Travels in The Interior of Africa" Mongo Park 1799. Many early explorers of Africa blasted their way through the continent with superior fire power. In contrast Mongo Park, a twenty three year old physician, brazenly chooses to travel solo, relying on his charm and wit to explore the interior of West Africa. Park's travel log of exploration is filled with humorous anecdotes, yet the reader is left incredulous that he has somehow managed to survive. He is robbed, beaten and held hostage. At one point in his narrative, while being held captive, Islamic women gather around him demanding to see his uncircumcised penis. -something they apparently have never seen before. As he watches elephants being butchered for the their meat, he is threatened for being a liar when he remarks that
Hindu's have domesticated their elephants. Much of the log is an amalgamation of danger and humor unlike anything I have ever read. Sadly with the intra-continental slave trade alive and well, and hostage taking and terrorism still prevalent, West Africa in many ways, has remained as chaotic and as dangerous as it was in the 1790's. The Folio Society's edition includes an interesting epilogue, which I think unwarrantedly criticizes Park's later exploration. Several years after returning to England and publishing "Travels in The Interior of Africa", Mongo Park, apparently dissatisfied with his practice and bored with his young family, organizes a second expedition. He leaves for Africa, now older, more realistic, experienced and armed to the hilt with a small army of men. The luxury of being incredibly lucky twice is not in the future Mongo Park. He, along with most of his men, not surprisingly are killed. Two decades later when his son reaches majority he attempts to finish his father's exploration. He too dies in Africa.
Hindu's have domesticated their elephants. Much of the log is an amalgamation of danger and humor unlike anything I have ever read. Sadly with the intra-continental slave trade alive and well, and hostage taking and terrorism still prevalent, West Africa in many ways, has remained as chaotic and as dangerous as it was in the 1790's. The Folio Society's edition includes an interesting epilogue, which I think unwarrantedly criticizes Park's later exploration. Several years after returning to England and publishing "Travels in The Interior of Africa", Mongo Park, apparently dissatisfied with his practice and bored with his young family, organizes a second expedition. He leaves for Africa, now older, more realistic, experienced and armed to the hilt with a small army of men. The luxury of being incredibly lucky twice is not in the future Mongo Park. He, along with most of his men, not surprisingly are killed. Two decades later when his son reaches majority he attempts to finish his father's exploration. He too dies in Africa.
February 18, 2023
للتو أدركت بأن الكتاب تُرجم مؤخرا للعربية باسم: في أعماق إفريقيا وترجمة نعيمة الحوسني. نشرته (منشورات المتوسط) في عام 2022
هنا مراجعتي للكتاب الذي قرأته باللغة الإنجليزية:
Incredible…Caution, this will be a long review:
The Scottish explorer Mango Park was one of the first Europeans to explore Africa. In 1795, Park left Britain traveling to Gambia diving deep into the interior parts of Africa passing through places that were never seen by a European. Hence, this book is written. Park described in this book his two years Journey bringing which I thought to be exceedingly very interesting tale.
Park observed the Africans closely and studied their characteristics and was very fair in describing them. He saw them as people, some are intelligent and some are not, some are kind and others are cruel. He learned their language which brought him closer to them. He witnessed the slavery industry which was practiced by the Africans themselves. He was bold in his travels and took a great danger in his exploration.
This is not the first book I read about the early travels in Africa, but I had to admit, this brings a lot of curious incidents. It was interesting to witness the weird meeting between two different races that never studied each other in such proximity. A common event he encountered is the first surprise on the natives faces when they see the white man for the first time. Let me bring here few incidents that may interest the reader of this review:
A very interesting encountered is when one of the chiefs presented the White Explorer to a group of African women who had never seen a white man. They were astonished and could not believe there is such a white creature living on Earth. I’ll let Park describe that encounter: They rallied me with a good deal of gaiety on different subjects, particularly upon the whiteness of my skin and the prominency of my nose. They insisted that both were artificial. The first, they said, was produced when I was an infant, by dipping me in milk; and they insisted that my nose had been pinched every day till it had acquired its present unsightly and unnatural conformation
The next story I found interesting is when Park was a prisoner among the Moors. They have witnessed his compass which was always pointing toward the “Great Desert”. When he was asked about that weird instrument his reply was: My mother resided far beyond the sands of Sahara, and that whilst she was alive the piece of iron would always point that way and serve as a guide to conduct me to her, and that if she was dead it would point to her grave This scared the Moors and they thought there is some kind of dark magic in this instrument and they returned the compass to Park exclaiming that they did not wish to keep such a dangerous instrument in their possession.
Another encountered that touched Park deeply is his story with the kind African woman who helped him when he was lying near a tree alone and hungry with nowhere to go. This is how Park described it: With looks of great compassion, she took up my saddle and bridle and told me to follow her. Having conducted me into her hut, she lighted up a lamp, spread a mat on the floor, and told me I might remain there for the night. Finding that I was very hungry she said she would procure me something to eat The children gathered around him they started to sing:
The winds roared and the rains fell…The poor white man, faint and weary… came and sat under our tree… He has no mother to bring him milk… no wife to grind his corn….Let us pity the white man; no mother has he etc. etc.
Park said about this incident: Trifling as this recital may appear to the reader, to a person in my situation the circumstance was affecting in the highest degree. I was oppressed by such unexpected kindness, and sleep fled from my eyes P.S. the Scottish Author Samuel Smiles quoted this story in one of his books as an example that kindness in women exists in all races.
Another interesting story is when he witnessed an African woman selling her own child for the want of provisions for herself and her family. Park Reaction was: “Good God!” thought I, “what must a mother suffer before she sells her own child!” I could not get this melancholy subject out of my mind, and the next night, when the women returned for their allowance, I desired the boy to point out to me his mother, which he did. She was much emaciated, but had nothing cruel or savage in her countenance; and when she had received her corn she came and talked to her son with as much cheerfulness as if he had still been under her care
This encountered happened when Park talked to a group of slaves who were supposed to be shipped to the White Lands. The slaves were in terror and wanted to know what became of them after they had crossed the sea. Park told that they will be working as farmers but they did not believe him ! One of the slaves, putting his hand upon the ground, said, “Have you really got such ground as this to set your feet upon?” Park felt sorry for these poor slaves saying when he departed from them: My good wishes and prayers were all I could bestow upon them, and it afforded me some consolation to be told, that they were sensible I had no more to give
Another interesting observation was what Park wrote about the religion of the Africans: I have conversed with all ranks and conditions upon the subject of their faith, and can pronounce, without the smallest shadow of doubt, that the belief of one God, and of a future state of reward and punishment, is entire and universal among them
I enjoyed this read with Park and his interesting stories. Unfortunately, few years later, Park made another expedition to African and was killed along with his companions by the natives.
Recommended to those who like such books…
هنا مراجعتي للكتاب الذي قرأته باللغة الإنجليزية:
Incredible…Caution, this will be a long review:
The Scottish explorer Mango Park was one of the first Europeans to explore Africa. In 1795, Park left Britain traveling to Gambia diving deep into the interior parts of Africa passing through places that were never seen by a European. Hence, this book is written. Park described in this book his two years Journey bringing which I thought to be exceedingly very interesting tale.
Park observed the Africans closely and studied their characteristics and was very fair in describing them. He saw them as people, some are intelligent and some are not, some are kind and others are cruel. He learned their language which brought him closer to them. He witnessed the slavery industry which was practiced by the Africans themselves. He was bold in his travels and took a great danger in his exploration.
This is not the first book I read about the early travels in Africa, but I had to admit, this brings a lot of curious incidents. It was interesting to witness the weird meeting between two different races that never studied each other in such proximity. A common event he encountered is the first surprise on the natives faces when they see the white man for the first time. Let me bring here few incidents that may interest the reader of this review:
A very interesting encountered is when one of the chiefs presented the White Explorer to a group of African women who had never seen a white man. They were astonished and could not believe there is such a white creature living on Earth. I’ll let Park describe that encounter: They rallied me with a good deal of gaiety on different subjects, particularly upon the whiteness of my skin and the prominency of my nose. They insisted that both were artificial. The first, they said, was produced when I was an infant, by dipping me in milk; and they insisted that my nose had been pinched every day till it had acquired its present unsightly and unnatural conformation
The next story I found interesting is when Park was a prisoner among the Moors. They have witnessed his compass which was always pointing toward the “Great Desert”. When he was asked about that weird instrument his reply was: My mother resided far beyond the sands of Sahara, and that whilst she was alive the piece of iron would always point that way and serve as a guide to conduct me to her, and that if she was dead it would point to her grave This scared the Moors and they thought there is some kind of dark magic in this instrument and they returned the compass to Park exclaiming that they did not wish to keep such a dangerous instrument in their possession.
Another encountered that touched Park deeply is his story with the kind African woman who helped him when he was lying near a tree alone and hungry with nowhere to go. This is how Park described it: With looks of great compassion, she took up my saddle and bridle and told me to follow her. Having conducted me into her hut, she lighted up a lamp, spread a mat on the floor, and told me I might remain there for the night. Finding that I was very hungry she said she would procure me something to eat The children gathered around him they started to sing:
The winds roared and the rains fell…The poor white man, faint and weary… came and sat under our tree… He has no mother to bring him milk… no wife to grind his corn….Let us pity the white man; no mother has he etc. etc.
Park said about this incident: Trifling as this recital may appear to the reader, to a person in my situation the circumstance was affecting in the highest degree. I was oppressed by such unexpected kindness, and sleep fled from my eyes P.S. the Scottish Author Samuel Smiles quoted this story in one of his books as an example that kindness in women exists in all races.
Another interesting story is when he witnessed an African woman selling her own child for the want of provisions for herself and her family. Park Reaction was: “Good God!” thought I, “what must a mother suffer before she sells her own child!” I could not get this melancholy subject out of my mind, and the next night, when the women returned for their allowance, I desired the boy to point out to me his mother, which he did. She was much emaciated, but had nothing cruel or savage in her countenance; and when she had received her corn she came and talked to her son with as much cheerfulness as if he had still been under her care
This encountered happened when Park talked to a group of slaves who were supposed to be shipped to the White Lands. The slaves were in terror and wanted to know what became of them after they had crossed the sea. Park told that they will be working as farmers but they did not believe him ! One of the slaves, putting his hand upon the ground, said, “Have you really got such ground as this to set your feet upon?” Park felt sorry for these poor slaves saying when he departed from them: My good wishes and prayers were all I could bestow upon them, and it afforded me some consolation to be told, that they were sensible I had no more to give
Another interesting observation was what Park wrote about the religion of the Africans: I have conversed with all ranks and conditions upon the subject of their faith, and can pronounce, without the smallest shadow of doubt, that the belief of one God, and of a future state of reward and punishment, is entire and universal among them
I enjoyed this read with Park and his interesting stories. Unfortunately, few years later, Park made another expedition to African and was killed along with his companions by the natives.
Recommended to those who like such books…
June 19, 2017
I enjoyed reading of the travels made by this explorer in a place and time where travel was so unpredictable and dangerous. Without these explorers our world would be a much smaller place. As they say, travel broadens the mind. I was happy to read about it rather than have to do it myself in this case. The risks were great and unfortunately Mungo did not return to his family after his second journey. It was an amazing chance that his words did make it back to be printed. I felt very sorry for his poor wife who believed him still alive along time after his disappearance.
October 17, 2019
In 1795-96 Mungo Park, young Scottish surgeon then barely 24 years old, was commissioned by the London African Society to go and explore West Africa and follow the Niger river; right in territories then completely unknown of the Europeans. The journey promises to be dangerous: a captain Houghton had done the same travel shortly before, and, never came back. It turned out he had been killed by the Moors. Never mind! The young man still throws himself into the adventure!
If his journey will be a failure (he will reach the Niger during the rainy season, completely dispossessed, having no choice but to turn back) the diary he kept and that will be published upon his return remains one of the most important account by an European upon Africa back then. Beyond the typical (caricatural now) odyssey of the white man under the tropics (the heat, the fever, the lions and the mosquitoes...) the book constitutes a precious outlook for two reasons. First, he describes an Africa from before colonialism - its powerful kingdoms; its intricate tribal political system; the trade and conflictual relationships tying all these people, including the Mandingoes, of which he not only speaks the language but take the time, in whole chapters, to describe the characters, way of life, rituals and traditions... Then, and strikingly for a white man at the time, because he is devoid of racial prejudices (he actually destroys them), him who will be robbed, witness to all sorts of weird and at times cruel traditions, but, also, the guest of local chiefs, or rely upon the help and precious hospitality of common villagers (despite his skin colour and his faith as a Christian making him more than once quite suspicious).
In fact, in here only the Moors get bad press. Terrorising the surrounding black kingdoms, their religious fanaticism makes them, according to Park, arrogant and dangerously aggressive. If he never misses an opportunity to condemn them in long passages, it's because he has his reason: he made the bad experience of being their captive, and would have surely ended up being a slave had he not escaped!
Having said that, his amazing open mindedness and deep empathy for the people he encounter makes him closer from contemporary readers that whose of his time. This diary, in any case, remains an invaluable testimony about an Africa forever lost. Mungo Park died in 1806, heading an expedition following the steps of its first mission, but his legacy was taken upon by others, less sympathetic... and we all know where it led to! An original and incredible account.
If his journey will be a failure (he will reach the Niger during the rainy season, completely dispossessed, having no choice but to turn back) the diary he kept and that will be published upon his return remains one of the most important account by an European upon Africa back then. Beyond the typical (caricatural now) odyssey of the white man under the tropics (the heat, the fever, the lions and the mosquitoes...) the book constitutes a precious outlook for two reasons. First, he describes an Africa from before colonialism - its powerful kingdoms; its intricate tribal political system; the trade and conflictual relationships tying all these people, including the Mandingoes, of which he not only speaks the language but take the time, in whole chapters, to describe the characters, way of life, rituals and traditions... Then, and strikingly for a white man at the time, because he is devoid of racial prejudices (he actually destroys them), him who will be robbed, witness to all sorts of weird and at times cruel traditions, but, also, the guest of local chiefs, or rely upon the help and precious hospitality of common villagers (despite his skin colour and his faith as a Christian making him more than once quite suspicious).
In fact, in here only the Moors get bad press. Terrorising the surrounding black kingdoms, their religious fanaticism makes them, according to Park, arrogant and dangerously aggressive. If he never misses an opportunity to condemn them in long passages, it's because he has his reason: he made the bad experience of being their captive, and would have surely ended up being a slave had he not escaped!
Having said that, his amazing open mindedness and deep empathy for the people he encounter makes him closer from contemporary readers that whose of his time. This diary, in any case, remains an invaluable testimony about an Africa forever lost. Mungo Park died in 1806, heading an expedition following the steps of its first mission, but his legacy was taken upon by others, less sympathetic... and we all know where it led to! An original and incredible account.
December 6, 2025
Metge escocès, aventurer i mogut pel seu interès en descobrir el curs del riu Níger és seleccionat per l'Associació africana per promoure el comerç, per encapçalar una expedició per seguir-ne el seu curs. En aquells moments no es coneixia i disposar d'aquesta informació era cabdal per al transport de mercaderies o persones. Però justament per ser pioner en aquest tipus de descobertes li passen moltes peripècies. Park però no es desanima i sense res ni ningú, decideix avançar en la seva investigació de la que torna amb la certesa que efectivament el Níger circula cap a l'interior del continent.
Torna a Escòcia on es va casar i tenir 4 fills, però quan uns anys més tard l'Associació li proposa resseguir el curs del riu més enllà, en una expedició molt ben dotada i amb recursos suficients, Park ho deixa tot i torna al riu. El navega com a pioner, obrint-se pas malgrat els signes hostils que va captant pel camí. No va poder concloure aquest segon viatge perquè va ser víctima d'un atac en algun punt de l'actual Nigèria sense haver pogut arribar a la desembocadura tal com tenia planejat.
Els seus informes rigorosos i molt detallats però van ser de gran utilitat i la seva narració és digna d'ocupar un lloc destacat en la literatura del viatges dels segle XVIII.
Torna a Escòcia on es va casar i tenir 4 fills, però quan uns anys més tard l'Associació li proposa resseguir el curs del riu més enllà, en una expedició molt ben dotada i amb recursos suficients, Park ho deixa tot i torna al riu. El navega com a pioner, obrint-se pas malgrat els signes hostils que va captant pel camí. No va poder concloure aquest segon viatge perquè va ser víctima d'un atac en algun punt de l'actual Nigèria sense haver pogut arribar a la desembocadura tal com tenia planejat.
Els seus informes rigorosos i molt detallats però van ser de gran utilitat i la seva narració és digna d'ocupar un lloc destacat en la literatura del viatges dels segle XVIII.
December 12, 2012
Simply a great travel book. Park shows what makes a truly great traveller as he overcomes imprisonment, the perils of nature and regular loss of property at the hands of unscrupulous natives in order to go on with the task at hand; namely the exploration of western Africa and the Niger river.
In spite of his of-the-time views on slavery he comes across as a kindly soul and in turn is met with great acts of kindness by the local population. There are also moments of humour whether intentionsal or not which add greatly to the whole experience.
READ IT!!!
In spite of his of-the-time views on slavery he comes across as a kindly soul and in turn is met with great acts of kindness by the local population. There are also moments of humour whether intentionsal or not which add greatly to the whole experience.
READ IT!!!
March 13, 2009
Read this because it is the basis for TC boyle´s "Water Music". Read them both!
April 6, 2023
والآن ماذا؟! هل انتهى الأمر؟!
أما أنا فقد أحسست أنني عشت مع هذا الكتاب ردحًا من الزمن استولى فيه على نفسي، لم أتوقع أن يلمسني هكذا وإن تناولته من جانب أنه كتاب مغامرات، وفي هذه الجانب فقد أوفى على الغاية وفاض على جانبيها، فالمغامرات في هذا الكتاب كانت مثل قصص طرزان وربنسون كروز وحيّ بن يقظان والسندباد وكل ما نستطيبه من أمثال تلكم القصص، السير في الأدغال والصحراء والأنهار والبحار، ولقاء ممالك الزنوج البدائيين والأعراب الرحّل البادين في الصحراء، وعالم الخرافات والسادة والعبيد ومقابلة الملوك والدهاة والغدر والخيانة والخطف والفرار من القتل والتيه في الصحراء والغابات وخوض الأنهار سباحة والحمّى والمرض والرماح المسنّنة والسيوف والبنادق القديمة والأفيال والأسود والجمال والجياد.
عالم واسع من القصص استمرّ حتى الصفحة الأخيرة، وإن كان من يؤلم أنها حقيقة حادثة وليست من نسج خيال مؤلف واسع الخيال، وأما صحاب هذه المغامرات في أعماق إفريقيا فهو مستكشف إنجليزي، سافر تحت غرض استكشاف مسار نهر النيجر العجيب المسار والتي تحيط به الخيالات والغموض، وهو في هذا الكتاب لم يتمكن من تحقيق هذا الهدف، لكثرة ما مرّ به من «بهدلة» وعذاب وأسر ومرض وخيانة، ولكنه استطاع خلال هذه الرحلة من كتابة اسمه في سجلّ الأوائل، فهو أوّل مستكشف علمي وصل إلى منطقة منتصف نهر النيجر ووصفها ورسم ما يساوي تقريبًا أكثر من ستمائة كيلو متر من طول النهر، وأعطى برهانًا إلى أن مساره الغريب الذي يبدو مثل نهرين، هو في حقيقة الأمر نهر واحد، وأنه يصبّ في المحيط، وهو ما لم يره قط عيانًا في هذه الرحلة التي استغرقت عامين وإن كانت مغامراته في غاية التشويق والخطر.
وهناك الكثير في هذه المغامرة للعيش معه، ولم أعجب عندما وصلت إلى نهاية الكتاب لأجد ملحقًا بقصيدة قالها شاعر إنجليزي عن حياة هذا المستكشف المثابر، وكانت تدور في أساسها حول موقف كنت قد سبق أن توقّفت أمامه كثيرًا وأعدت قراءته في شجن وأنا أتخيّل جميع جوانبه حيّة نابضة ..
فقد مضيتُ نحو القرية، حيث اكتشفتُ، ويا للهول، ألَّا أحد يرغب في إيوائي بمنزله. كانوا ينظرون لي باستغراب وخوف، واضطررتُ للبقاء طَوَالَ اليوم بدون طعام أو شراب في ظلِّ إحدى الأشجار كما يبدو أنني سأقضي الليل تحوطني المخاطر من كلِّ جهة، فقد تصاعدت حِدَّة هبوب الرياح، وزاد احتمال سقوط الأمطار الغزيرة، وكانت الحيوانات المفترسة من الكثرة في الجوار، بحيث قد أُضطرُّ في نهاية المطاف إلى اعتلاء شجرة، والبقاء بين فروعها بقية الليل. ولكنْ، عند غروب الشمس وكنتُ آنئذ أستعدُّ لتمضية الليل على النحو الذي ذكرتُ، وبعد أن حللتُ لجام الحصان، وخلعتُ عنه السرج ليرعى ما عنَّ له ذلك في الجوار، فوجئتُ بامرأة عائدة من العمل في أحد الحقول، وقد توقَّفت لترمقَني، وتدرك كم كنتُ مرهقاً ومكتئباً، فتستعلم عن حالتي التي أوجزتُها لها دون إطالة، فبدا عليها التأثُّر البالغ، وأخذت اللجام والسرج، وطلبت منِّي أن أتبعها. قادتْني المرأة إلى كوخها، وأنارت مصباحاً، وفردت حصيرة فوق الأرض، وأخبرتْني بأنه يمكنني تمضية الليلة هنا. ولمَّا كنتُ جِدُّ جائع، فقد قالت لي بأنها في سبيلها لتأمين عشاء لي. وعليه فقد خرجت وعادت بعد وقت قصير وقد جلبت سمكة شهية طيِّبة شُويَت فوق جمرات النار. وهكذا توالت فصول كرم الضيافة فصلاً وراء آخر لتجلوَ عنِّي، أنا الغريب المغترب، الكربَ والغمَّ، ثمَّ ختمتْها تلك المرأة الخيِّرة بالإشارة إلى الحصيرة، وأخبرتْني بأن يمكنني النوم بدون خوف أو قلق، ثمَّ طلبت من نساء وفتيات عائلتها اللائي وقفنَ مشدوهات يحملقنَ فيَّ أن يواصلنَ عملهنَّ في غزل القطن، حيث تواصل ذلك العمل مستغرقاً جانباً طويلاً من الليل. كانت النسوة والفتيات يُلطِّفنَ من عناء العمل بالغناء، وقد ارتجلنَ إحدى الأغاني كنتُ أنا موضوعها. غنَّتْها إحدى الشابَّات والبقية شاركنَها كجوقة. كان اللحن عذباً شجيَّاً، ويمكن ترجمة الكلمات كالتالي: (عصفت الرياح وهطل المطر / قدم الرجل الأبيض المسكين مُنهَكَاً مُرهَقَاً، وجلس تحت شجرتنا/ ليس لديه أُمٌّ تجلب له اللبن ولا زوجة تطحن الذُّرَة). ثمَّ ردَّدت الجوقة ما يلي: (الرحمة للرجل الأبيض، فلا أُمّ لديه) وهلمَّ جرَّا، وهلمَّ جرَّا. قد تبدو هذه الأُغنيَّة تافهة المعاني بالنسبة إلى القارئ، لكنها بالنسبة إلى شخص في وضعيَّتي كانت جِدّ مؤثِّرة وجدانيَّاً. لقد أسرتْني تلك العواطف الجيَّاشة والعطف الزائد، وجافاني النوم. في الصباح، أهديتُ صاحبة البيت الرؤوم زِرَارَيْن نحاسيَّيْن من بين الأَزْرَار الأربعة المتبقِّية بالصدرية، وهي كلُّ ما يمكنني مكافأتها به الآن.
وأما القصيدة فصراحة أنها تتضاءل كثيرًا جنب هذه الكلمات.
وكان صنيع المترجمة جميلاً، فالترجمة، وكما رأيتم، بليغة طيبة، وتكاد لا تظهر عليها أثر الترجمة، ولكن ثمة ملاحظة لم استسغها، فقد نقلت المترجمة كلام المؤلف عن الإسلام في بعض الفصول، لتكتب عنده في الهامش متدخّلة:
في المواضع كلِّها التي يتحدَّث فيها المؤلِّف عن الإسلام يتجنَّب ذِكْر لفظ الإسلام والدِّيْن الإسلامي، ويستخدم عبارات من قبيل (تعاليم محمَّد أو المحمَّديِّيْن) إنكاراً منه واستصغاراً لشأن الإسلام!
ولكن لا، ليس استصغارًا ولا إنكارًا، نعم صورة الإسلام جدّ سيئة في هذا الكتاب، ولكنه مع ذلك ليس سوى مستكشف وطبيب، لا لاهوتي ولا مبشّر، وقد سافر إلى إفريقيا لقضاء مهمة محددة هي استكشاف مسار النهر، وما جعله يتحدث عن الإسلام هكذا (وهو شيء قليل لم يستفض فيه بل استأذن من قارئه في الخروج عن سياق رحلته) الذي جعله هو ما خبره بنفسه خلال هذه رحلته الخطرة، وأما الطائفة من المسلمين الذين لاقاهم في هذه الرحلة، فهم من بعض قبائل المغاربة البدوية الرحّل، فهم كانوا أبعد ما يكون أحد عن الإسلام، قمة في العنصرية والبغض والقتل والنهب والسلب والترويع وإهدار الكرامة الإنسانية، يكفي أن أسوأ ما تعرّض له هذا المستكشف خلال كل هذه الصعاب في هذا الكتاب كان وقوعه في الأسر لدى هؤلاء العرب لمدة أشهر طوال عاش خلالها كالحيوانات أو أسوأ ورأى ما رأى من الجنون والبغض حتى تقزّزت نفسه، فهذا إذن تمامًا كأنك عرفت الإسلام من خلال قوم يقول عنهم القرآن: ﴿الأَعرابُ أَشَدُّ كُفرًا وَنِفاقًا وَأَجدَرُ أَلّا يَ��لَموا حُدودَ ما أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ عَلى رَسولِهِ وَاللَّهُ عَليمٌ حَكيمٌ﴾!
ومع أن ما لاقاه من الإسلام من قبائل الزنوج كان أخفّ وقعًا بكثير من إسلام هؤلاء الأعراب، فقد كان السهم نافذ والسلام، على أنه كان إسلامًا مشوبًا بالكثير جدًا من خرافات الوثنية التي كانوا عليها، ولذلك أفهم كثيرًا أمنيته بدخول الدين المسيحي السمح إلى هذه البقاع المظلمة من الأرض، لأني مثله تمنيت أن يدخل الدين الإسلامي أصلاً وسط هذه البقاع المظلمة، فالإسلام كان مختلطًا بالخرافات بشكل يؤسف له، والكتب الدينية التي رآها المؤلف في حوزة أولئك الأقوام كانت بادية التكلّف والزينة لاسم النبي عليه الصلاة والسلام، فكان اسمه محمد يُكتب بالمداد الأحمر عدة مرات في الصفحة الواحدة، لذلك لا عجب أبدًا أن يصرّ المؤلف على تسمية هذا الدين بتعاليم محمد أو المحمديين (وهي التسمية الشائعة في وطنه كذلك) ولا أذكر أني طول قراءتي لهذه المغامرات جاء ذكر أن أحدًا من الحجاز أو مصر أو بغداد أو حواضر المغرب العربي، عواصم الإسلام الكبرى ومراكز نشر العلم، جاء ليعلّم أولئك الأقوام القريبي العهد بالوثنية والخرافات سماحة دينهم ومعاني التوحيد الحقّ، لذا لا عجب أن يقول المستكشف هذه الفقرة عن الإسلام بين بعض قبائل الزنوج الطيبين الذين لاقاهم في رحلته:
وأَسَايَ أن أرى أقواماً دَمِثَة الأخلاق قويمة السلوك خيِّرة المقاصد تُرِكُوا لأحد أمرَيْن، أحلاهما مُرٌّ، فهم إمَّا غارقون حتَّى الأذقان في جهالة الخرافات الوثنية المُتوارَثة أو فرائس التحوُّل إلى دِيْن ونظام يقوم على التعصُّب الأعمى المقيت، فلا هو بالدِّيْن أو النظام الذي ينير العقل، فما بالنا إن تعلَّق الأمر بالسرائر والقلوب؟!
ولا عجب حقًا حقًا، فأين إنارة العقل وهو الذي كان يصادف أشدّ التعنّت والإهانة عندما يعلمون أنه مسيحي غربي، رغم أنه لم يرفع سلاحًا في أوجههم وكان وحده تقريبًا أو مع خادمه، أين هذا من الإسلام؟وأبعد هذا يقال أنه كوّن رأيه السلبي هذا عن دين الإسلام استصغارًا وإنكارًا له؟!
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وكان من أعظم مشاعر هذا الكتاب، هذا الموقف الآسر تمامًا عندما كاد أن يفقد إيمانه بعد أن بعد أن أوقفته إحدى العصابات وسلبته في غلظة كل شيء حرفيًا، كلّ شيء وتركته وحيدًا عاريًا تائهًا وسط بريّة شاسعة في أوجّ موسم الأمطار الغزيرة وتحيط به الضواري والقبائل البدائية المتوحشة من كل ناحية، وأما معنوياته فهبطت في الحضيض واستحكم به اليأس وظنّ أن قدره قد حان وبات لا يفكر في شيء سوى أن يتهالك أرضًا وينتظر الموت، إلا إنه في هذه اللحظة وقعت عينه على طحلبيّة صغيرة فائقة الجمال بديعة النماء، ليقول وهو ما فيه من كرب وبلاء:
غمرني الإحساس بالجلال، وبالرَّغْم من أن الطُّحْلُبِيَّة التي رأيتُها لا تتجاوز في حجمها طرف أصبع من أصابعي، فإنني وقفتُ أمام بديع هيئتها جذوراً ووريقات وغلافاً، وقد أخذني الذهول واستغرقني الإعجاب، وعندئذ فكّرت بيني وبين نفسي أن هل قد يكون الخالق الذي أنبت هذه الطُّحْلُبِيَّة ورواها وجعلها في أحسن تقويم في هذه البقعة المجهولة من العالم، تلك الطُّحْلُبِيَّة التي تبدو في ظروف أخرى وفي نظر البعض أمراً لا يُؤبَه له، أيكون قد غضَّ الطرف عن المِحَن والكروب التي تُلِمُّ بعباده الذين خلقهم على صورته ومثاله؟ إنه المستحيل بعينه!
ما أجمل هذا، وأعجبت كثيرًا مرة ثانية بتمكّن المترجمة الذي جعلها تترجم:
small moss
إلى هذه المفردة العربية اللطيفة:
طحلبية
وهذا كتاب آسر.
أما أنا فقد أحسست أنني عشت مع هذا الكتاب ردحًا من الزمن استولى فيه على نفسي، لم أتوقع أن يلمسني هكذا وإن تناولته من جانب أنه كتاب مغامرات، وفي هذه الجانب فقد أوفى على الغاية وفاض على جانبيها، فالمغامرات في هذا الكتاب كانت مثل قصص طرزان وربنسون كروز وحيّ بن يقظان والسندباد وكل ما نستطيبه من أمثال تلكم القصص، السير في الأدغال والصحراء والأنهار والبحار، ولقاء ممالك الزنوج البدائيين والأعراب الرحّل البادين في الصحراء، وعالم الخرافات والسادة والعبيد ومقابلة الملوك والدهاة والغدر والخيانة والخطف والفرار من القتل والتيه في الصحراء والغابات وخوض الأنهار سباحة والحمّى والمرض والرماح المسنّنة والسيوف والبنادق القديمة والأفيال والأسود والجمال والجياد.
عالم واسع من القصص استمرّ حتى الصفحة الأخيرة، وإن كان من يؤلم أنها حقيقة حادثة وليست من نسج خيال مؤلف واسع الخيال، وأما صحاب هذه المغامرات في أعماق إفريقيا فهو مستكشف إنجليزي، سافر تحت غرض استكشاف مسار نهر النيجر العجيب المسار والتي تحيط به الخيالات والغموض، وهو في هذا الكتاب لم يتمكن من تحقيق هذا الهدف، لكثرة ما مرّ به من «بهدلة» وعذاب وأسر ومرض وخيانة، ولكنه استطاع خلال هذه الرحلة من كتابة اسمه في سجلّ الأوائل، فهو أوّل مستكشف علمي وصل إلى منطقة منتصف نهر النيجر ووصفها ورسم ما يساوي تقريبًا أكثر من ستمائة كيلو متر من طول النهر، وأعطى برهانًا إلى أن مساره الغريب الذي يبدو مثل نهرين، هو في حقيقة الأمر نهر واحد، وأنه يصبّ في المحيط، وهو ما لم يره قط عيانًا في هذه الرحلة التي استغرقت عامين وإن كانت مغامراته في غاية التشويق والخطر.
وهناك الكثير في هذه المغامرة للعيش معه، ولم أعجب عندما وصلت إلى نهاية الكتاب لأجد ملحقًا بقصيدة قالها شاعر إنجليزي عن حياة هذا المستكشف المثابر، وكانت تدور في أساسها حول موقف كنت قد سبق أن توقّفت أمامه كثيرًا وأعدت قراءته في شجن وأنا أتخيّل جميع جوانبه حيّة نابضة ..
فقد مضيتُ نحو القرية، حيث اكتشفتُ، ويا للهول، ألَّا أحد يرغب في إيوائي بمنزله. كانوا ينظرون لي باستغراب وخوف، واضطررتُ للبقاء طَوَالَ اليوم بدون طعام أو شراب في ظلِّ إحدى الأشجار كما يبدو أنني سأقضي الليل تحوطني المخاطر من كلِّ جهة، فقد تصاعدت حِدَّة هبوب الرياح، وزاد احتمال سقوط الأمطار الغزيرة، وكانت الحيوانات المفترسة من الكثرة في الجوار، بحيث قد أُضطرُّ في نهاية المطاف إلى اعتلاء شجرة، والبقاء بين فروعها بقية الليل. ولكنْ، عند غروب الشمس وكنتُ آنئذ أستعدُّ لتمضية الليل على النحو الذي ذكرتُ، وبعد أن حللتُ لجام الحصان، وخلعتُ عنه السرج ليرعى ما عنَّ له ذلك في الجوار، فوجئتُ بامرأة عائدة من العمل في أحد الحقول، وقد توقَّفت لترمقَني، وتدرك كم كنتُ مرهقاً ومكتئباً، فتستعلم عن حالتي التي أوجزتُها لها دون إطالة، فبدا عليها التأثُّر البالغ، وأخذت اللجام والسرج، وطلبت منِّي أن أتبعها. قادتْني المرأة إلى كوخها، وأنارت مصباحاً، وفردت حصيرة فوق الأرض، وأخبرتْني بأنه يمكنني تمضية الليلة هنا. ولمَّا كنتُ جِدُّ جائع، فقد قالت لي بأنها في سبيلها لتأمين عشاء لي. وعليه فقد خرجت وعادت بعد وقت قصير وقد جلبت سمكة شهية طيِّبة شُويَت فوق جمرات النار. وهكذا توالت فصول كرم الضيافة فصلاً وراء آخر لتجلوَ عنِّي، أنا الغريب المغترب، الكربَ والغمَّ، ثمَّ ختمتْها تلك المرأة الخيِّرة بالإشارة إلى الحصيرة، وأخبرتْني بأن يمكنني النوم بدون خوف أو قلق، ثمَّ طلبت من نساء وفتيات عائلتها اللائي وقفنَ مشدوهات يحملقنَ فيَّ أن يواصلنَ عملهنَّ في غزل القطن، حيث تواصل ذلك العمل مستغرقاً جانباً طويلاً من الليل. كانت النسوة والفتيات يُلطِّفنَ من عناء العمل بالغناء، وقد ارتجلنَ إحدى الأغاني كنتُ أنا موضوعها. غنَّتْها إحدى الشابَّات والبقية شاركنَها كجوقة. كان اللحن عذباً شجيَّاً، ويمكن ترجمة الكلمات كالتالي: (عصفت الرياح وهطل المطر / قدم الرجل الأبيض المسكين مُنهَكَاً مُرهَقَاً، وجلس تحت شجرتنا/ ليس لديه أُمٌّ تجلب له اللبن ولا زوجة تطحن الذُّرَة). ثمَّ ردَّدت الجوقة ما يلي: (الرحمة للرجل الأبيض، فلا أُمّ لديه) وهلمَّ جرَّا، وهلمَّ جرَّا. قد تبدو هذه الأُغنيَّة تافهة المعاني بالنسبة إلى القارئ، لكنها بالنسبة إلى شخص في وضعيَّتي كانت جِدّ مؤثِّرة وجدانيَّاً. لقد أسرتْني تلك العواطف الجيَّاشة والعطف الزائد، وجافاني النوم. في الصباح، أهديتُ صاحبة البيت الرؤوم زِرَارَيْن نحاسيَّيْن من بين الأَزْرَار الأربعة المتبقِّية بالصدرية، وهي كلُّ ما يمكنني مكافأتها به الآن.
وأما القصيدة فصراحة أنها تتضاءل كثيرًا جنب هذه الكلمات.
وكان صنيع المترجمة جميلاً، فالترجمة، وكما رأيتم، بليغة طيبة، وتكاد لا تظهر عليها أثر الترجمة، ولكن ثمة ملاحظة لم استسغها، فقد نقلت المترجمة كلام المؤلف عن الإسلام في بعض الفصول، لتكتب عنده في الهامش متدخّلة:
في المواضع كلِّها التي يتحدَّث فيها المؤلِّف عن الإسلام يتجنَّب ذِكْر لفظ الإسلام والدِّيْن الإسلامي، ويستخدم عبارات من قبيل (تعاليم محمَّد أو المحمَّديِّيْن) إنكاراً منه واستصغاراً لشأن الإسلام!
ولكن لا، ليس استصغارًا ولا إنكارًا، نعم صورة الإسلام جدّ سيئة في هذا الكتاب، ولكنه مع ذلك ليس سوى مستكشف وطبيب، لا لاهوتي ولا مبشّر، وقد سافر إلى إفريقيا لقضاء مهمة محددة هي استكشاف مسار النهر، وما جعله يتحدث عن الإسلام هكذا (وهو شيء قليل لم يستفض فيه بل استأذن من قارئه في الخروج عن سياق رحلته) الذي جعله هو ما خبره بنفسه خلال هذه رحلته الخطرة، وأما الطائفة من المسلمين الذين لاقاهم في هذه الرحلة، فهم من بعض قبائل المغاربة البدوية الرحّل، فهم كانوا أبعد ما يكون أحد عن الإسلام، قمة في العنصرية والبغض والقتل والنهب والسلب والترويع وإهدار الكرامة الإنسانية، يكفي أن أسوأ ما تعرّض له هذا المستكشف خلال كل هذه الصعاب في هذا الكتاب كان وقوعه في الأسر لدى هؤلاء العرب لمدة أشهر طوال عاش خلالها كالحيوانات أو أسوأ ورأى ما رأى من الجنون والبغض حتى تقزّزت نفسه، فهذا إذن تمامًا كأنك عرفت الإسلام من خلال قوم يقول عنهم القرآن: ﴿الأَعرابُ أَشَدُّ كُفرًا وَنِفاقًا وَأَجدَرُ أَلّا يَ��لَموا حُدودَ ما أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ عَلى رَسولِهِ وَاللَّهُ عَليمٌ حَكيمٌ﴾!
ومع أن ما لاقاه من الإسلام من قبائل الزنوج كان أخفّ وقعًا بكثير من إسلام هؤلاء الأعراب، فقد كان السهم نافذ والسلام، على أنه كان إسلامًا مشوبًا بالكثير جدًا من خرافات الوثنية التي كانوا عليها، ولذلك أفهم كثيرًا أمنيته بدخول الدين المسيحي السمح إلى هذه البقاع المظلمة من الأرض، لأني مثله تمنيت أن يدخل الدين الإسلامي أصلاً وسط هذه البقاع المظلمة، فالإسلام كان مختلطًا بالخرافات بشكل يؤسف له، والكتب الدينية التي رآها المؤلف في حوزة أولئك الأقوام كانت بادية التكلّف والزينة لاسم النبي عليه الصلاة والسلام، فكان اسمه محمد يُكتب بالمداد الأحمر عدة مرات في الصفحة الواحدة، لذلك لا عجب أبدًا أن يصرّ المؤلف على تسمية هذا الدين بتعاليم محمد أو المحمديين (وهي التسمية الشائعة في وطنه كذلك) ولا أذكر أني طول قراءتي لهذه المغامرات جاء ذكر أن أحدًا من الحجاز أو مصر أو بغداد أو حواضر المغرب العربي، عواصم الإسلام الكبرى ومراكز نشر العلم، جاء ليعلّم أولئك الأقوام القريبي العهد بالوثنية والخرافات سماحة دينهم ومعاني التوحيد الحقّ، لذا لا عجب أن يقول المستكشف هذه الفقرة عن الإسلام بين بعض قبائل الزنوج الطيبين الذين لاقاهم في رحلته:
وأَسَايَ أن أرى أقواماً دَمِثَة الأخلاق قويمة السلوك خيِّرة المقاصد تُرِكُوا لأحد أمرَيْن، أحلاهما مُرٌّ، فهم إمَّا غارقون حتَّى الأذقان في جهالة الخرافات الوثنية المُتوارَثة أو فرائس التحوُّل إلى دِيْن ونظام يقوم على التعصُّب الأعمى المقيت، فلا هو بالدِّيْن أو النظام الذي ينير العقل، فما بالنا إن تعلَّق الأمر بالسرائر والقلوب؟!
ولا عجب حقًا حقًا، فأين إنارة العقل وهو الذي كان يصادف أشدّ التعنّت والإهانة عندما يعلمون أنه مسيحي غربي، رغم أنه لم يرفع سلاحًا في أوجههم وكان وحده تقريبًا أو مع خادمه، أين هذا من الإسلام؟وأبعد هذا يقال أنه كوّن رأيه السلبي هذا عن دين الإسلام استصغارًا وإنكارًا له؟!
..
وكان من أعظم مشاعر هذا الكتاب، هذا الموقف الآسر تمامًا عندما كاد أن يفقد إيمانه بعد أن بعد أن أوقفته إحدى العصابات وسلبته في غلظة كل شيء حرفيًا، كلّ شيء وتركته وحيدًا عاريًا تائهًا وسط بريّة شاسعة في أوجّ موسم الأمطار الغزيرة وتحيط به الضواري والقبائل البدائية المتوحشة من كل ناحية، وأما معنوياته فهبطت في الحضيض واستحكم به اليأس وظنّ أن قدره قد حان وبات لا يفكر في شيء سوى أن يتهالك أرضًا وينتظر الموت، إلا إنه في هذه اللحظة وقعت عينه على طحلبيّة صغيرة فائقة الجمال بديعة النماء، ليقول وهو ما فيه من كرب وبلاء:
غمرني الإحساس بالجلال، وبالرَّغْم من أن الطُّحْلُبِيَّة التي رأيتُها لا تتجاوز في حجمها طرف أصبع من أصابعي، فإنني وقفتُ أمام بديع هيئتها جذوراً ووريقات وغلافاً، وقد أخذني الذهول واستغرقني الإعجاب، وعندئذ فكّرت بيني وبين نفسي أن هل قد يكون الخالق الذي أنبت هذه الطُّحْلُبِيَّة ورواها وجعلها في أحسن تقويم في هذه البقعة المجهولة من العالم، تلك الطُّحْلُبِيَّة التي تبدو في ظروف أخرى وفي نظر البعض أمراً لا يُؤبَه له، أيكون قد غضَّ الطرف عن المِحَن والكروب التي تُلِمُّ بعباده الذين خلقهم على صورته ومثاله؟ إنه المستحيل بعينه!
ما أجمل هذا، وأعجبت كثيرًا مرة ثانية بتمكّن المترجمة الذي جعلها تترجم:
small moss
إلى هذه المفردة العربية اللطيفة:
طحلبية
وهذا كتاب آسر.
February 24, 2023
Mungo Park war ein schottischer Afrikareisender. Im September 1794 bot er der African Association, die einen Nachfolger für Daniel Houghton suchte, seine Dienste an und wurde angenommen. Am 22. Mai 1795 machte er sich von Portland auf nach Afrika, um den Verlauf des Nigers zu erforschen.
Zitat
"My instructions were very plain and concise. I was directed, on my arrival in Africa, “to pass on to the river Niger, either by way of Bambouk, or by such other route as should be found most convenient. That I should ascertain the course, and, if possible, the rise and termination of that river. That I should use my utmost exertions to visit the principal towns or cities in its neighbourhood, particularly Timbuctoo and Houssa; and that I should be afterwards at liberty to return to Europe, either by the way of the Gambia, or by such other route as, under all the then existing circumstances of my situation and prospects, should appear to me to be most advisable"
Genau so einfach und präzise, wie seine Anweisungen waren, waren auch Mungo Parks Beschreibungen. Selbst die Überfahrt hat er genau beschrieben. Dass seine Erzählung mit nur 120 Seiten sehr kurz war, hängt damit zusammen dass er keine unnötigen Worte machte. Mungo Park beschrieb, aber er bewertete nicht. Auch als er gemeinsam mit einem Sklavenhändler reiste, gab er von seinen Gefühlen nichts preis. Dabei kann ich mir nicht vorstellen, dass es ihm egal war, wie die Menschen behandelt wurden. Denn im Gegensatz zu anderen Reiseberichten aus Afrika sieht er die Menschen, die ihm begegnen, nicht als weniger wert an als sich selbst. Andere Berichte schauen auf die Einwohner herab, das macht er nicht.
Trotz der knappen Worte war der Reisebericht keineswegs langweilig, im Gegenteil. Mungo Parks Erzählung hat in meinem Kopf viele Bilder entstehen lassen. Ich konnte mir seine Reiseroute und die Bedingungen, die er antraf, gut vorstellen. Dazu kamen die genauen Beschreibungen der unterschiedlichen Stämme und ihrer Traditionen. Auch das tägliche Leben hat er sehr anschaulich beschrieben. Nur die Audienzen die er hatte, konnte ich mir nicht so gut vorstellen. Bei den königlichen Besuchen hätte ich ein paar Details mehr schöner gefunden. Aber so, wie ich den Autor erlebt habe, war er wohl nicht der Typ für diese Details.
Ein interessanter Bericht über die erste Erforschung des Nigers. Schade, dass der Autor sie letztendlich nicht beenden konnte.
Zitat
"My instructions were very plain and concise. I was directed, on my arrival in Africa, “to pass on to the river Niger, either by way of Bambouk, or by such other route as should be found most convenient. That I should ascertain the course, and, if possible, the rise and termination of that river. That I should use my utmost exertions to visit the principal towns or cities in its neighbourhood, particularly Timbuctoo and Houssa; and that I should be afterwards at liberty to return to Europe, either by the way of the Gambia, or by such other route as, under all the then existing circumstances of my situation and prospects, should appear to me to be most advisable"
Genau so einfach und präzise, wie seine Anweisungen waren, waren auch Mungo Parks Beschreibungen. Selbst die Überfahrt hat er genau beschrieben. Dass seine Erzählung mit nur 120 Seiten sehr kurz war, hängt damit zusammen dass er keine unnötigen Worte machte. Mungo Park beschrieb, aber er bewertete nicht. Auch als er gemeinsam mit einem Sklavenhändler reiste, gab er von seinen Gefühlen nichts preis. Dabei kann ich mir nicht vorstellen, dass es ihm egal war, wie die Menschen behandelt wurden. Denn im Gegensatz zu anderen Reiseberichten aus Afrika sieht er die Menschen, die ihm begegnen, nicht als weniger wert an als sich selbst. Andere Berichte schauen auf die Einwohner herab, das macht er nicht.
Trotz der knappen Worte war der Reisebericht keineswegs langweilig, im Gegenteil. Mungo Parks Erzählung hat in meinem Kopf viele Bilder entstehen lassen. Ich konnte mir seine Reiseroute und die Bedingungen, die er antraf, gut vorstellen. Dazu kamen die genauen Beschreibungen der unterschiedlichen Stämme und ihrer Traditionen. Auch das tägliche Leben hat er sehr anschaulich beschrieben. Nur die Audienzen die er hatte, konnte ich mir nicht so gut vorstellen. Bei den königlichen Besuchen hätte ich ein paar Details mehr schöner gefunden. Aber so, wie ich den Autor erlebt habe, war er wohl nicht der Typ für diese Details.
Ein interessanter Bericht über die erste Erforschung des Nigers. Schade, dass der Autor sie letztendlich nicht beenden konnte.
June 12, 2023
It can be a little tedious but it's nice to have a good real account and a true initial look before the full European colonization.
October 12, 2017
I don't think there's anybody I wouldn't recommend this book to. Not a single page lacks something fascinating. Park was the first European to travel that way and return to tell the tale. He finds an Africa of extremes. On the one hand here is a land with iron working and inoculation. On the other you have a society that is destroying itself with slavery and where Boko Haram predates on its borders. Park writes very well. There's an immediacy to the narrative so you exult when he exults and get angry when he's treated badly. He comes across as a really nice guy. Not your typical British colonialist.
There are two editions in the Everyman's Library; the original from 1907 and the 1954 "enlarged and revised". The '54 is essentially a stripped down version of the 1816 edition. You have Park's text of the first journey entire but with everything else from that volume stripped out. Then you have an abridged version of the second journey. The narrative is complete but lists of supplies and astronomical observations have been edited out. Amadi Fatouma's journal is here, or at least part of it, but Isaaco's is not. The editor has added some connecting passages. The original maps have also been removed and replaced with a map of such poor quality I would expect to find better in a third rate fantasy novel. I have knocked off a star because of the map.
There are two editions in the Everyman's Library; the original from 1907 and the 1954 "enlarged and revised". The '54 is essentially a stripped down version of the 1816 edition. You have Park's text of the first journey entire but with everything else from that volume stripped out. Then you have an abridged version of the second journey. The narrative is complete but lists of supplies and astronomical observations have been edited out. Amadi Fatouma's journal is here, or at least part of it, but Isaaco's is not. The editor has added some connecting passages. The original maps have also been removed and replaced with a map of such poor quality I would expect to find better in a third rate fantasy novel. I have knocked off a star because of the map.
August 4, 2013
There had to be something different about the Victorian explorers that made them leave the relative safety of their homeland to venture into territories that were not well known. Mungo Park was one of the most intrepid of these men and this journal of his exploration into Africa is outstanding. His descriptions of the flora and fauna are minimal, but intriguing. His exactness in detailing the names of the towns and cities along the way, the rulers of those areas, and the tribute demands of those rulers for allowing the party to pass through their lands is meticulous. He also elaborates on the tribal wars which seemed to be part and parcel of everyday life in the regions he traversed and describes the trade going on between the various towns as well as that between the natives and Europeans. His harrowing experiences hardly ever diminished his zeal for the task at hand as he ventured farther and farther along the Niger river.
March 3, 2014
This is an account of travels by one of the first Europeans in West Africa starting in 1795, and is remarkably readable even today, useful for anyone who is traveling in the region or working there. Park's observations are detailed and mostly balanced so he is a good reporter. A couple of items we know better about now (he thought the Africans backward because they had not domesticated elephants like the Indians, but African elephants do not domesticate), but overall it is a good neutral telling that looks at people as individuals, not as representatives of their class/race/tribe.
One thing that would make this book better would be to include maps either just of the region or better, with the route marked, but this complaint is targeted at the publisher, not the writer.
One thing that would make this book better would be to include maps either just of the region or better, with the route marked, but this complaint is targeted at the publisher, not the writer.
July 27, 2012
Mungo Park's fascinating "Travels in the Interior District of Africa" tells the story of his meanderings around West Africa. His goal was to find the Niger River, which he does with enormous difficulty. Traveling alone or with a single guide, Park is robbed of most of his possessions, trying to avoid getting caught up between warring tribes and is kept prisoner by the Moors. Much of the book focuses on slavery. While it is certainly told from a colonialist perspective, the book is filled with interesting details and made for a great read.
August 9, 2017
Travel apparently used to be a dangerous proposition; an adventure into the unmapped and and unknown, dependent on the generosity of strangers and the integrity of hired hands.
And being robbed repeatedly.
In fairness, such blatant robbery was often diluted by plain bilking under the guise of petty regal tributes. My knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa is by no means extensive, but I imagine that the only difference between Park's account and a contemporary travelogue, would be that coveting kings are replaced by corrupt officials.
And being robbed repeatedly.
In fairness, such blatant robbery was often diluted by plain bilking under the guise of petty regal tributes. My knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa is by no means extensive, but I imagine that the only difference between Park's account and a contemporary travelogue, would be that coveting kings are replaced by corrupt officials.
September 7, 2015
I started getting interested in old accounts of travel, and, as a result, came across Mungo Park's book. There were perhaps to many names and dates to make this an entirely pleasurable read, but much of the documentation of life was very interesting. Additionally, for a man of his time, the book reads as open-minded.
I found the accounts of hunting for gold, and iron-smithery particularly interesting.
I found the accounts of hunting for gold, and iron-smithery particularly interesting.
April 20, 2016
It's a primary source document so you sorta have to hold it to a different standard than a story, right? Anyway, while parts of this are just lists of names of countries that are no longer relevant (and a pretty sweet extended appendix about how many rivers exist and what direction they might flow) there is an adventure story too, as Mungo gets captured, escapes, nearly dies in the desert, and is rescued. Tally ho!
February 21, 2008
Mungo is a kind, humble, forgiving and tolerant man. This is not what you expect of an English explorer of Africa. He had all his stuff stolen early on and spent most of his exploration wandering from town to town begging food and lodging fromt the inhabitants to whom he often voices his profound gratitude. He is also nice to his horse. Go Mungo!
October 6, 2011
200 years later and the narrative style is still engaging. It is now as revealing about European attitudes and culture at the time as it is about those of West Africa. Mungo is open minded and ingenious in his survival. It is hard to believe his account is nonfiction.
April 30, 2013
An interesting, well written travel diary that is surprisingly easy to read given the date. There are a few turns in the plot to keep it interesting, as well as early European explorer commentary on the cultures they were being introduced to.
June 3, 2014
It was T.C.Boyle`s Watermusic that brought me to Parks book about his adventures in Africa. It was funny to read the "originale" Version from Park and to find out what Boyle "did to it". I love both books and the Storys from Park are realy breath-taking. Great book. Read it now.......
July 28, 2012
Folio Society edition.
June 29, 2014
A much more accessible and readable book than I thought it would be. Extremely interesting history of African exploration.
September 20, 2025
Mungo Park's Travels into the Interior of Africa (first published in 1799) is a landmark work in the genre of exploration literature. As one of the first Westerners to venture deep into West Africa, Park documented his journey with a blend of scientific curiosity, cultural observation, and personal resilience. His account provides a fascinating, though often problematic, window into pre-colonial Africa and remains a subject of scholarly discussion today.
Park's mission, sponsored by the African Association, aimed to uncover the course and termination of the Niger River, a geographical mystery that had long eluded European cartographers. His successful navigation to the Niger (notably described as "glittering to the morning sun, as broad as the Thames at Westminster") was a monumental achievement in exploration. The book served as a foundational text for understanding West Africa's geography and cultures before widespread European colonization.
Park's writings offer detailed accounts of the societies he encountered, including the Mandingo people, Bambara states, and Moorish communities. He documented local languages, customs, and economic practices, often with a degree of empathy uncommon for his time. For example, his inclusion of Mandingo counting systems and phrases provided Europeans with unprecedented linguistic knowledge. His observations on the trans-Saharan slave trade are particularly harrowing, such as the tragic fate of an enslaved woman left to die during a forced march.
Park's prose is noted for its matter-of-fact tone and understated humor, which vividly conveys his hardships without melodrama. His descriptions of surviving robberies, malaria, and imprisonment by a Moorish chief are gripping and immersive. This style influenced later writers like Joseph Conrad, Herman Melville, and Ernest Hemingway, who drew inspiration from Park's resilience and detailed reporting
Despite his relative open-mindedness, Park exhibited cultural biases typical of his era. He often described African societies through a Eurocentric lens, portraying Muslims as "traitorous" and expressing dismissive attitudes toward local traditions. His work, though unintentionally, contributed to justifying European colonialism by framing Africa as a place ripe for exploration and exploitation.
Park's relationship with the slave trade is complex. While he criticized the brutality of the trans-Saharan slave trade, he also relied on slave traders like Dr. John Laidley for shelter and assistance. His account occasionally perpetuates stereotypes about African "savagery," though he also highlighted instances of kindness and generosity from local communities.
Modern readers may find Park's writing difficult to navigate due to its dated language and episodic structure. Some sections lack contextual depth, requiring supplementary historical knowledge to fully appreciate.
Park's Travels was a bestseller in its time and sparked public fascination with Africa. It also had a darker legacy: by mapping the Niger River and detailing regional resources, it inadvertently facilitated later colonial ventures. Park's tragic death during a second expedition in 1806 (he drowned in the Niger River after an attack by hostile natives) cemented his status as a legendary but cautionary figure in exploration history.
Travels into the Interior of Africa is a riveting yet flawed account of adventure and survival. It combines extraordinary bravery with insightful observations, but also reflects the prejudices and ambitions of its time. For contemporary readers, it serves as both a thrilling narrative and a critical historical document, offering lessons on the complexities of cross-cultural encounters and the enduring impact of exploration.
Park's mission, sponsored by the African Association, aimed to uncover the course and termination of the Niger River, a geographical mystery that had long eluded European cartographers. His successful navigation to the Niger (notably described as "glittering to the morning sun, as broad as the Thames at Westminster") was a monumental achievement in exploration. The book served as a foundational text for understanding West Africa's geography and cultures before widespread European colonization.
Park's writings offer detailed accounts of the societies he encountered, including the Mandingo people, Bambara states, and Moorish communities. He documented local languages, customs, and economic practices, often with a degree of empathy uncommon for his time. For example, his inclusion of Mandingo counting systems and phrases provided Europeans with unprecedented linguistic knowledge. His observations on the trans-Saharan slave trade are particularly harrowing, such as the tragic fate of an enslaved woman left to die during a forced march.
Park's prose is noted for its matter-of-fact tone and understated humor, which vividly conveys his hardships without melodrama. His descriptions of surviving robberies, malaria, and imprisonment by a Moorish chief are gripping and immersive. This style influenced later writers like Joseph Conrad, Herman Melville, and Ernest Hemingway, who drew inspiration from Park's resilience and detailed reporting
Despite his relative open-mindedness, Park exhibited cultural biases typical of his era. He often described African societies through a Eurocentric lens, portraying Muslims as "traitorous" and expressing dismissive attitudes toward local traditions. His work, though unintentionally, contributed to justifying European colonialism by framing Africa as a place ripe for exploration and exploitation.
Park's relationship with the slave trade is complex. While he criticized the brutality of the trans-Saharan slave trade, he also relied on slave traders like Dr. John Laidley for shelter and assistance. His account occasionally perpetuates stereotypes about African "savagery," though he also highlighted instances of kindness and generosity from local communities.
Modern readers may find Park's writing difficult to navigate due to its dated language and episodic structure. Some sections lack contextual depth, requiring supplementary historical knowledge to fully appreciate.
Park's Travels was a bestseller in its time and sparked public fascination with Africa. It also had a darker legacy: by mapping the Niger River and detailing regional resources, it inadvertently facilitated later colonial ventures. Park's tragic death during a second expedition in 1806 (he drowned in the Niger River after an attack by hostile natives) cemented his status as a legendary but cautionary figure in exploration history.
Travels into the Interior of Africa is a riveting yet flawed account of adventure and survival. It combines extraordinary bravery with insightful observations, but also reflects the prejudices and ambitions of its time. For contemporary readers, it serves as both a thrilling narrative and a critical historical document, offering lessons on the complexities of cross-cultural encounters and the enduring impact of exploration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2018
Roughly 100,000 years ago bands of humans first left Africa, crossing the Sinai Peninsula, and proceeded to colonize the entire earth, finally reaching the last big humanless land mass of New Zealand almost 99,000 years later. Then only a smattering of centuries after this colonization was complete, a young, nondescript, medically trained Scot whose only distinctive attribute seemed to be his name—Mungo Park—arrived in 1795 on the banks of the Gambia River, in Western Africa, with the intention of exploring something of the interior of that sub-Saharan region. Although Park would not have considered this, his arrival, in a manner, was that of a homecoming. He was, in fact, returning to the original continent and lands of his ancestors, albeit a hundred millennia hence.
Much had happened in the interim; especially, the rise and fall of the empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhay; and perhaps even more impactful—the Muslim invasion and the introduction of Islam to a variety of peoples whose spirits they worshipped were, in fact, everywhere around them. By the time Park arrived, however, the Muslim influence in this Sudan was fading, and the vacuum was being quickly filled by a potpourri of small warring states. It was a hornet’s nest of conflict and rivalry Park entered, having no knowledge of geography nor Arabic, little exploration experience, and as much knowledge of this wide and wild wilderness he was traipsing as he had of the backside of the moon. It was the suicide mission of missions meeting the perfect storm of the uninitiated entering the unknown and, perhaps, unknowable.
Reading this mesmerizing, sui generis account of Park’s two year and seven month expedition was, for me, a little like watching Bill Murray pursue his ever-evasive groundhogs in Caddyshack. I kept thinking: how many times can one person take his beatings and robbings by an endless rouges’ gallery of characters whose diametric cultures not only endorse but hold in esteem strength over weakness before throwing in the towel? And maybe that’s what intrigued me and has made this work a classic of its kind. Mungo is such a pleasantly mysterious fellow—no ill will, no braggadocio, just taking his lumps in good humor and moving ahead through a land completely unknown by the European mind, except for the contradictory snippets received from the all-knowing Herodotus and a couple of Arab geographers.
By the end, our hero, not too much the worse for wear, returns to Scotland, marries and has children, and takes up the far more conventional reins of a country doctor. I also wondered why such a life was not enough now for Mungo. After all, he had gone and returned from the gates of hell and lived to write a most wonderful account of that experience. Just live your life, man (I wanted to tell him). Just have your memories and nightmares and let it go. But, in the end, he chose otherwise. Perhaps he saw his failings and thought to correct them. Perhaps, as so many warriors returning to the battlefield, he simply found himself an adventure junkie, with Africa beckoning again like the most alluring of distant loves. So, instead, he found a Moroccan tutor to teach him Arabic, gathered his little army, and returned to his Darkest of Continents for another go.
A most memorable read.
Much had happened in the interim; especially, the rise and fall of the empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhay; and perhaps even more impactful—the Muslim invasion and the introduction of Islam to a variety of peoples whose spirits they worshipped were, in fact, everywhere around them. By the time Park arrived, however, the Muslim influence in this Sudan was fading, and the vacuum was being quickly filled by a potpourri of small warring states. It was a hornet’s nest of conflict and rivalry Park entered, having no knowledge of geography nor Arabic, little exploration experience, and as much knowledge of this wide and wild wilderness he was traipsing as he had of the backside of the moon. It was the suicide mission of missions meeting the perfect storm of the uninitiated entering the unknown and, perhaps, unknowable.
Reading this mesmerizing, sui generis account of Park’s two year and seven month expedition was, for me, a little like watching Bill Murray pursue his ever-evasive groundhogs in Caddyshack. I kept thinking: how many times can one person take his beatings and robbings by an endless rouges’ gallery of characters whose diametric cultures not only endorse but hold in esteem strength over weakness before throwing in the towel? And maybe that’s what intrigued me and has made this work a classic of its kind. Mungo is such a pleasantly mysterious fellow—no ill will, no braggadocio, just taking his lumps in good humor and moving ahead through a land completely unknown by the European mind, except for the contradictory snippets received from the all-knowing Herodotus and a couple of Arab geographers.
By the end, our hero, not too much the worse for wear, returns to Scotland, marries and has children, and takes up the far more conventional reins of a country doctor. I also wondered why such a life was not enough now for Mungo. After all, he had gone and returned from the gates of hell and lived to write a most wonderful account of that experience. Just live your life, man (I wanted to tell him). Just have your memories and nightmares and let it go. But, in the end, he chose otherwise. Perhaps he saw his failings and thought to correct them. Perhaps, as so many warriors returning to the battlefield, he simply found himself an adventure junkie, with Africa beckoning again like the most alluring of distant loves. So, instead, he found a Moroccan tutor to teach him Arabic, gathered his little army, and returned to his Darkest of Continents for another go.
A most memorable read.
January 24, 2021
Just revisited this book, having read it years ago. It’s a classic of its kind. What amazes me is how Park managed to keep such a detailed journal whilst enduring the most difficult conditions, during which he suffered extreme heat, often near starvation, sickness, attacks and robberies, and captivity on the first journey. That his mind remained so lucid to enable him to so keenly observe everything is a marvel. His polished upright prose juxtaposes, comically at times, with events he is describing, eg. when he is being robbed or ridiculed by natives, or avoiding wolves and lions. Doubtless he refined and edited his notes, but in the case of his second journey, he wouldn’t have much time to do this before his death. Yet this journal is little different in quality from the first.
His diary can at times be a bit boring as Park describes and records the names of places along the way as he proceeded eastwards into west Africa from Gambia. The terrain is fairly featureless. I have travelled in those parts myself and know. (As one Irish priest described it – ‘the journey was just miles and miles of sweet fuck all’). Most incidents along the way are of a negative sort, with local chieftains trying to extract as much from Park as possible in return for passing through. That or sometimes outright theft. Times haven’t changed much. A card I received from a friend travelling through Mali started with – ‘apart from tremendous hassles over money……..’). Park’s worst experience during his first trip was when he encountered the Moors whom he described as the most despicable, avaricious, cruel and deceitful race it was ever possible to meet. It was the one time he was held captive for awhile.
On his second journey, Park experienced theft on a level much worse than the first trip, partly, I guess, because his entourage had more to be stolen. In one area, his journal entry goes: ‘Very desirous to be gone, as we found the people thieves to a man; in fact we have never yet been at a place where so much theft and impudence prevails’.
Park was more prepared on the second trip with more supplies and assistance, including soldiers. Consequently he probably was more confident of success, and travelling on the Niger would be easier, he would have thought. But surprisingly, he greatly underestimated the problems of travelling during the wet season, which played havoc with the health of the Europeans (we are in the white man’s grave area). Of the 44 Europeans departing from Gambia in perfect health, only three remained at the end, along with Park. Because of his dire situation then he changed his approach and made a dash for the sea, using fire power to confront any hostility. But this only served to increase his enemies onshore. Yet he continued to pay tribute to Kings and Dooties along the way. It was because money he gave to the local chief at Yauri was not passed on to the king, he was attacked at Bussa, where he drowned trying to escape. This remains the most likely explanation for his death. ((Yelwa) Yauri is a town where I used to visit my Irish friend years ago and eat delicious fresh fish every night from the majestic Niger River flowing nearby).
I’m glad to have reread this book. What other old treasures lie half forgotten on my bookshelf ?!
His diary can at times be a bit boring as Park describes and records the names of places along the way as he proceeded eastwards into west Africa from Gambia. The terrain is fairly featureless. I have travelled in those parts myself and know. (As one Irish priest described it – ‘the journey was just miles and miles of sweet fuck all’). Most incidents along the way are of a negative sort, with local chieftains trying to extract as much from Park as possible in return for passing through. That or sometimes outright theft. Times haven’t changed much. A card I received from a friend travelling through Mali started with – ‘apart from tremendous hassles over money……..’). Park’s worst experience during his first trip was when he encountered the Moors whom he described as the most despicable, avaricious, cruel and deceitful race it was ever possible to meet. It was the one time he was held captive for awhile.
On his second journey, Park experienced theft on a level much worse than the first trip, partly, I guess, because his entourage had more to be stolen. In one area, his journal entry goes: ‘Very desirous to be gone, as we found the people thieves to a man; in fact we have never yet been at a place where so much theft and impudence prevails’.
Park was more prepared on the second trip with more supplies and assistance, including soldiers. Consequently he probably was more confident of success, and travelling on the Niger would be easier, he would have thought. But surprisingly, he greatly underestimated the problems of travelling during the wet season, which played havoc with the health of the Europeans (we are in the white man’s grave area). Of the 44 Europeans departing from Gambia in perfect health, only three remained at the end, along with Park. Because of his dire situation then he changed his approach and made a dash for the sea, using fire power to confront any hostility. But this only served to increase his enemies onshore. Yet he continued to pay tribute to Kings and Dooties along the way. It was because money he gave to the local chief at Yauri was not passed on to the king, he was attacked at Bussa, where he drowned trying to escape. This remains the most likely explanation for his death. ((Yelwa) Yauri is a town where I used to visit my Irish friend years ago and eat delicious fresh fish every night from the majestic Niger River flowing nearby).
I’m glad to have reread this book. What other old treasures lie half forgotten on my bookshelf ?!
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