Travel and Adventure in South-East Africa

In this unique study, a nineteenth-century conservationist reveals the adventures and discoveries of his extensive explorations in south-east Africa.

Frederick Courteney Selous (Author)

9781108031165, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

532 pages, 58 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3 cm, 0.67 kg

Frederick Courteney Selous (1851–1917) was a British explorer, officer, hunter, and conservationist, famous for his work in south-east Africa. In early 1882 he embarked on an eleven-year expedition to record species that, to his great sadness, were becoming endangered. First published in 1893, these revealing memoirs document the wildlife, landscapes and people that characterised his journey. Through vivid descriptions and extensive illustrations, he recalls exhilarating adventures with lions, leopards, hyenas and crocodiles, recounts challenging treks across lakes and mountains, and describes hostile - and at times barbaric - encounters with native peoples. Detailed accounts of hunting endeavours, colonial institutions, and commercial enterprises such as gold mining, also feature in this study, which provides a unique and diverse perspective on Africa in the late nineteenth century. Insightful and revealing, Selous' experiences remain of enduring interest to geographers, anthropologists, zoologists, and all those interested in African history and culture.

Preface
1. Return to England in 1881
2. Drought and heat
3. Collecting specimens of natural history
4. Prepare for journey to the Mazoe and Sabi rivers
5. First expedition sent by Lo Bengula against the Batauwani
6. Break up camp
7. Return to the Transvaal
8. Ride to Bulawayo
9. Chop out the tusks of the dead elephants
10. Return to England in 1886
11. A rough country
12. Reach our first camp on the Magoi-ee river
13. Resolve to visit the Barosti chief Lewanika
14. Arrange for journey to the Upper Mazoe
15. Leave Tete
16. Mount Hampden
17. Portuguese claim to Mashunaland
18. Mashunaland
19. Mashunaland continued
20. The expedition to Mashunaland continued
21. The expedition to Mashunaland continued
22. History of the occupation of Manica by the British South Africa Company
23. Reach Fort Salisbury
24. Travel from Motoko's country to Umtali
25. Remarks concerning the relative merits of large and small bore rifles
26. Further hunting reminiscences
Index.

Subject Areas: African history [HBJH]