The Lost Kingdoms Of Africa: Through Muslim Africa by Truck, Bus, Boat and Camel

The Lost Kingdoms Of Africa: Through Muslim Africa by Truck, Bus, Boat and Camel

by JeffreyTayler (Author)

Synopsis

This is the account of a journey through realms of Africa so remote, so geographically and culturally isolated that their frontiers have rarely been breached. The Sahel region of the lower Sahara - whipped by ferocious winds, shrouded in secrets and home to a vast Muslim population - is the southernmost outpost of Islam's dominance in Africa. Comprising the southern Saharan regions of Chad, northern Nigeria, Niger, Mali and Senegal, they once witnessed the emergence of Africa's wealthiest and most exotic kingdoms and empires. To this day they produce some of the continent's leading writers, musicians and artists. But now, perilous and poverty-stricken, they rarely see travellers. Yet Jeffrey Tayler, crossing 2,500 miles across the Sahel by truck, taxi, bus and boat, uncovers this lost area of continent, revealing it as beset by ethnic rebellion and sectarian violence, rife with Islamic fundamentalism, yet home to people of extraordinary hospitality and fortitude.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Abacus
Published: 19 Jan 2006

ISBN 10: 034911708X
ISBN 13: 9780349117089
Book Overview: * Review coverage * Reading copies available

Media Reviews
fast-moving, atmospheric and very readable DAILY TELEGRAPH The book throws light on one of the most obscure regions of Africa, and I found it most entertaining and enlightening. I recommend it highly to the armchair traveller. IRISH EXAMINER An atmospheric and timely story that highlights the growing desperation and anger in these marginalised desert societies. GLOBAL A searingly intelligent portrait of a region the world seems determined to overlook. TRAVEL AFRICA
Author Bio
Jeffrey Tayler is a traveller and writer, working for CONDE NAST TRAVELLER, SPIN, HARPER'S MAGAZINE & ATLANTIC MONTHLY. In 2000 two of his essays were selected by Bill Bryson for the 1st edition of THE BEST AMERICAN TRAVEL WRITING.