Customer Reviews

Thesiger at his best - By: , 10 Aug 1999
Wilfred Thesiger is the last of the truly intrepid explorers. Bornin Abyssinia he was familiar with the people of the region & undertook the first two journeys into completely unmapped areasin the 1930's. The two journeys describedin this book shaped Thesiger's whole life. For those who have read other Thesiger books, this provides an intimate glimpse into his childhood & formative years & provides insights into his attitude to his exploring & adventures. The book is written from his diary which could make it boring, but his anecdotes, asides, letters to his mother, & observations of those around him transform it into a wonderful evocation of a time now sadly long past. A fascinating read recommended to all those hooked on travel books.

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A Diary of Thesiger's first expedition - By: , 23 Nov 1998
Thesiger, Britain's greatest modern day explorer, undertook a journey through the Danakil country of Abyssinian at the age of 22. The Danakil had killed & mutilated all members of the previous European expeditions to their tribal lands but this did not deter Thesiger,in fact it probably made him more keen to go. Thesiger completed his route through the Danakil country & this book contains the diary entries made during Thesiger's expedition. Thesiger & his entourage encountered some very hiary moments but these are dealt within his usual modest way making the reader think that actually it must have been a bit of a breeze. Clearly it couldn't have been but therein lies the measure of the man. Any readers interestedin Thesiger & his life should definitely read this book as Thesiger claims that it was this expedition that set him on his life of exploration.