London; 1788: a group of British gentlemen---geographers; scholars; politicians; humanitarians; and traders---decide it is time to solve the mysteries of Africa's unknown interior regions. Inspired by the Enlightenment quest for knowledge; they consider it a slur on the age that the interior of Africa still remains a mystery; that maps of the "dark continent" are populated with mythical beasts; imaginary landmarks; and fabled empires. As well; they hoped that more accurate knowledge of Africa would aid in the abolition of the slave trade.These men; a mixed group of soldiers and gentlemen; ex-convicts; and social outcasts; form the African Association; the world's first geographical society; and over several decades send hardened; grizzled adventurers to replace speculation with facts and remove the beasts from the maps. The explorers who ventured forth included Mungo Park; whose account of his travels would be a bestseller for more than a century; American John Ledyard; and Jean Louis Burckhardt; the discoverer of Petra and Abu Simbel. Their exploits would include grueling crossings of the Sahara; the exploration of the Nile; and---most dramatically---the search for the great River Niger and its legendary city of gold: Timbuktu. Anthony Sattin weaves the plotting of the London gentlemen and the experiences of their extraordinary explorers into a gripping account of high adventure; international intrigue; and geographical discovery. The Gates of Africa is a story of human courage and fatal ambition; a groundbreaking insight into the struggle to reveal the secrets of Africa.
#2389931 in Books 2000-06-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.36 x 5.50 x 8.27l; #File Name: 0312230729574 pages
Review
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful. A comprehensive look at Mawson's little-known expeditionBy Susan PaxtonAfter his contributions to Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1907-1909 Nimrod expedition; Australian scientist Dr. Douglas Mawson decided to put together his own expedition; one that placed more emphasis on science than any up to that time and many afterwards. Although his own experiences were by far the most gripping of the expedition; Mawson is careful to tell the entire story; with excerpts from other member's diaries and reports. His style is a little dry; compared to Shackleton's books; but the tale of the expedition is a compelling and interesting one. The book is very well illustrated with photographs; maps; and diagrams; and the cover is really handsome. Read this; but also read Lennard Bickel's "Mawson's Will" for more emphasis on Mawson's own terrifying adventure.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Helmut HafnerCould not stop reading.2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. book as advertisedBy B. Stephan'Home of the Blizzard' in condition as stated (or better); was delivered quickly and is great reading. I have several books by early explorers such as Nanson; Amundson; Shackleton; Scott and others and this is as interesting as the rest.
