Travels in Central Africa, and Explorations of the Western Nile Tributaries

First published in 1869, Volume 1 of this jointly authored work details the Pethericks' journey to Gondokoro in the Sudan.

John Petherick (Author), Katherine Harriet Petherick (Author)

9781108031981, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

370 pages, 21 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.47 kg

In 1861, Welsh explorer and British consul for the Sudan John Petherick (1813–82) departed for Central Africa on a mission for the Royal Geographical Society, with his wife Katherine (1827–77). First published in 1869, this two-volume account is based on notes and letters mostly written by Katherine, and describes their journey to Gondokoro, bringing boats and supplies for Captains Speke and Grant. Her descriptions provide valuable insights into African customs and traditions, particularly with regards to the condition of women, as well as information on flora and fauna observed. The work also gives an account of the controversy in which Petherick was falsely accused of taking part in the slave trade. Volume 1 focuses on the first part of the Pethericks' trip, up to their meeting with Speke and Grant.

Preface
Introduction
Arrive at Cairo
An account of our stay at Assouan
Preparing for our journey
The Sphinx
Khartoum sighted
We reach the Aliab
The horrors of slave trading
The commerce of Gondokoro and Khartoum
We reach the boundary of the Nouaer and Kytch
From Petherick's note-book
From Mrs. Petherick's note-book.

Subject Areas: African history [HBJH]