Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823, and 1824

In this important book of 1826, three explorers document the first complete crossing of the Sahara Desert by Europeans.

Dixon Denham (Author), Hugh Clapperton (Author)

9781108031202, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

762 pages, 46 b/w illus. 1 colour illus. 5 maps
29.7 x 21 x 3.9 cm, 1.79 kg

Major Dixon Denham (1786–1828) and Lieutenant Hugh Clapperton (1788–1827) were British explorers famous for their explorations in Africa. Between 1822 and 1825, they set out to investigate the lower course of the River Niger and the swamps and forests of the Guinea Coast, accompanied by the physician Dr Walter Oudney (1790–1824), who sadly died of a fever during the expedition. This important book, first published in 1826, brings together the memoirs of all three explorers to document their mission, which represented the first complete crossing of the Sahara by Europeans in recorded history. Diverse and insightful, it recounts phenomena such as the transportation of slaves from the Sudan, the salt industry in the heart of the desert, and encounters with native tribes. Providing unique insights into pre-colonial Africa, these vivid recollections remain of great interest to historians of Africa, cultural anthropologists and geographers alike.

Preface
Introductory chapter - from Tripoli to Mourzuk
Excursion to the westward of Mourzuk
Major Denham's Narrative: 1. From Mourzuk to Kouka in Bornou
2. Kouka
3. Expedition to Mandara
4. Excursion to Munga and the Gambarou
5. Rainy season at Kouka
6. Excursion to Loggun, and death of Mr. Toole
7. Journey to the eastern shores of the Lake Tchad
Supplemental chapter on Bornou
Captain Clapperton's Narrative: 1. From Kouka to Murmur, where Dr. Oudney died
2. From Murmur to Kano
3. From Kano to Sackatoo, and residence there
Appendix: 1. Translation of a letter from the Sheikh Mohammed El Kanemy
2. Translation of a letter from an African chieftain
3. A letter from Yousuf, Pasha of Tripoli, to the Sheikh of Bornou
4. A letter from the Pasha of Tripoli
5. A letter from the Sheikh of Bornou to the Sultan of Kanou
6. A letter from the Sheikh of Bornou to the Sultan of Hoosa
7. A letter from the Chieftain Mohammed Gamsoo
8. A document relating to the death of Mungo Park
9. A letter from the Sheikh of Bornou to Captain Clapperton
10. A document made at the Court of Justice of Bornou
11. Translation of letters and documents received from the Sheikh of Bornou concerning Mr. Tyrwhit's death
12. Translation of an Arabic MS.
13. A narrative of the first Battle of Kadawee
14. The song of Mohammed-Alameen ben Mohammed El Kanemy
15. Translation of an extempore Arab song
16. Translation of the Song of the Fezzanneers, on Boo Khaloom's death
17. Bornou vocabulary
18. Begharmi vocabulary
19. Mandara vocabulary
20. Timbuctoo vocabulary
21. Zoology
22. Botany
23. Letter to Major Denham on the rock specimens
24. Thermometrical journals.

Subject Areas: African history [HBJH]