Africa Books - Page 12

A Kitchen Safari: Stories & Recipes From the African Wilderness

Yvonne Short, Dumi Ndlovu

Amazon Price: $29.95 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Struik Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 8 new & used starting at $22.80

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> African
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General AAS

Editorial Review:

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) has a commitment to African hospitality that has resulted in the establishment of some of the finest lodges and safaris on the continent. This stunning cookbook showcases the heart, soul and very essence of CC Africa's passion for pampering its guests. Part of this hospitality is its unique way of creating Pan-African cuisine, which includes the bite of South East Asia and Portuguese-African-influenced peri-peris, to West African grains and pulses. Dozens of recipes are illustrated with photos of the food and the landscapes, people and animals of the African safari camps. This book serves not only as a cookbook it is also fantasy travel experience.

Malawi, 4th: The Bradt Travel Guide

Philip Briggs, Mary-Anne Bartlett

Amazon Price: $16.29 List Price: $23.95 By: Bradt Travel Guides Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $7.82

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> Malawi
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

One of a kind! 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.

This guide is one of very few devoted entirely to Malawi and the 4th edition was just published in 2006! With information about all types of travel (budget to 4 star hotel; safaris, overland trips, and rental car excursions) and a detailed chapter on the history and culture of Malawian people, this book will prepare anyone, first-timer to veteran, for an engaging, well-informed trip to the "warm heart of Africa."

Editorial Review:

This is an invaluable guide for visitors to this most explorable, affordable, and tranquil of African countries, whether discovering little-visited mountains, forests and game reserves, or relaxing by the main attraction of Lake Malawi. Philip Briggs and his updater, Mary-Anne Bartlett, provide readers with advice on planning their itinerary, wildlife and bird species identification, conservation areas, national parks, and a detailed history of the country.

 

Features include:

 

*The best wildlife-viewing opportunities

*Local travel networks, maps, and town plans

*Focus on independent travelers' needs, including health and safety and local language

*Exploring on and around Lake Malawi

The harmless people

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

By: Penguin Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $3.70

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

A study of primitive people which, for beauty of...style and concept, would be hard to match." -- The New York Times Book Review

In the 1950s Elizabeth Marshall Thomas became one of the first Westerners to live with the Bushmen of the Kalahari desert in Botswana and South-West Africa. Her account of these nomadic hunter-gatherers, whose way of life had remained unchanged for thousands of years, is a ground-breaking work of anthropology, remarkable not only for its scholarship but for its novelistic grasp of character. On the basis of field trips in the 1980s, Thomas has now updated her book to show what happened to the Bushmen as the tide of industrial civilization -- with its flotsam of property rights, wage labor, and alcohol -- swept over them. The result is a powerful, elegiac look at an endangered culture as well as a provocative critique of our own.

"The charm of this book is that the author can so truly convey the strangeness of the desert life in which we perceive human traits as familiar as our own....The Harmless People is a model of exposition: the style very simple and precise, perfectly suited to the neat, even fastidious activities of a people who must make their world out of next to nothing."

-- The Atlantic

Travel Egypt Nile Cruise

Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $9.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: M J Wood Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $8.02

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> Egypt -> General
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> Egypt -> General AAS
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Looking for a travel guide that dares to be honest?

Unlike the cruise booklet that most Tour Operators send out with your booking, our Cruise Guide book tells you how it really is!

Given from an experienced perspective that does not shy away from confronting the issues, it provides a valuable insight into what you can expect from a Nile Cruise by letting you know the scams, as well as the pleasures awaiting you on your Egyptian vacation.

Our Travel Egypt books offer straight answers, with sound and practical holiday advice. This book is illustrated throughout with over 50 black and white photographs and contains, amongst other things:

PRACTICAL ADVICE: Such as how to deal with hassle, unwanted attention, intimidation and illness. Plus, extra costs involved that you are rarely told about, local scams, bartering tips, things to avoid, etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Such as, medical advice, visa requirements, facts and figures, prices, boat facilities and layout, money matters, cruise schedules, safety issues, etc. SUGGESTIONS: Such as, suitable clothing, useful Arabic phrases, local customs, local dishes and drinks etc. RECOMMENDATIONS: Such as ancient sites, reviews, entertainment, extra excursions, useful links, free downloads etc.

This book is a unique guide to the 'events' of a Nile Cruise and whilst we do discuss the ancient sites in some detail it is only our book that deals with the topics we cover - namely 'telling you how it is'.

This guide has been specifically written to help people avoid the scams and hassle that could ruin their holiday.

The book tells you how it is, without over romanticising the experience, and contains information you would be hard pressed to find in one place.

A must read for anyone planning, or thinking of taking an Egyptian Nile Cruise.

Tales of the African Frontier

John A Hunter, Daniel P Mannix

By: Harper & Bros., NY Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $40.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Mind-blowing 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I have never read a book quite like this before. It is completely devoid of political correctness so often associated with revisionist history. The narrative is sharp and cuts like a knife. This book was copyright in 1954 which affords it two advantages: 1) it pre-dates political correctness and 2) The stories are told as first hand accounts told by the old timers when they were still alive. I can't begin to tell you how exciting it is to read African history when it's told by those who were actually there when the history was the present and not the past. Whew! What a ride!

Exciting adventure, and a great gift! 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

If there are any men who wouldn't enjoy this superb book, I wouldn't want to know them. The early days of East Africa as told in many instances by the men who lived them and in others, by the men who knew the men.

The story of the man who ran the crew that laid the first railroad across Africa(the "lunatic line"). The opening of Kenya. The British East African Police.The early missionaries, pioneers, white hunters. Story after story of well-written excitement will keep you reading, and bring you back for repeat readings for years to come.

Buy this book for yourself,and another for a friend. And if your friend doesn't like it...well, is he really the right kind of guy?

Editorial Review:

John Hunter writes about East Africa's most illustrious characters in a time that is gone, but not forgotten.

Uganda Map by Nelles (Nelles Maps)

Nelles

Amazon Price: $10.95 List Price: $10.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Nelles Verlag GmbH Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $4.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Reference -> Atlases & Maps -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> Rwanda & Uganda

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A useful map! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

When I went to Uganda in July of 2007, our bus driver used the map to find an alternate route back from Paraa to Kampala. You can't get better than that!

Editorial Review:

Folded road and travel map in color. Traces six different kinds of highways and roads, shows road numbers and railway lines. Places of interest are marked directly on the map: airports, archeological sites, lodges and campsites. beaches and water recreation areas, as well as national parks. Exquisitely subtle relief shading makes this map resemble an aerial photo. Includes a city plan of central Kampala that includes markets, shopping centers, places to stay, embassies, places to worship and important buildings.

The Blue Nile

Alan Moorehead

Amazon Price: $11.90 List Price: $14.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harper Perennial Amazon Marketplace: 55 new & used starting at $2.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> Central Africa
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> Ethiopia
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> Sudan

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very interesting background on 19th century Sudan and Ethiopia 4 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I have read a lot of history on ancient Egypt and was passingly familiar with Napoleon's conquest of Egypt, however, I had absolutely no background on other aspects of 19th century Egypt and neighboring Sudan and Ethiopia.

This book was extremely enlightening with respect to such subjects as Mamaluke rule of Egypt prior to Napoleon's arrival and the subsequent reign of Muhammad Ali. However, by far the most interesting and educational part of the book was the last half which dealt primarily with the reign of Theodore, Emperor of Ethiopia and the British invasion to secure the release of European hostages held by Theodore. Prior to reading this book, I'd never heard of Theodore nor the British invasion of Ethiopia.

Blue Nile is a companion piece to White Nile, the Blue Nile being the Nile tributary which feeds into the river at Khartoum, Sudan having flowed from its source in the Ethiopian highlands. Moorehead does a very good job in describing the various expeditions which sought the source of the Blue Nile as well as the political and social anarchy endemic to the region.

Editorial Review:

In the first half of the nineteenth century, only a small handful of Westerners had ventured into the regions watered by the Nile River on its long journey from Lake Tana in Abyssinia to the Mediterranean-lands that had been forgotten since Roman times, or had never been known at all. In The Blue Nile, Alan Moorehead continues the classic, thrilling narration of adventure he began in The White Nile, depicting this exotic place through the lives of four explorers so daring they can be considered among the world's original adventurers -- each acting and reacting in separate expeditions against a bewildering background of slavery and massacre, political upheaval and all-out war.

Egypt Travel Map (Globetrotter Travel Map)

Robin Gauldie

Amazon Price: $8.95 List Price: $8.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Globetrotter Amazon Marketplace: 19 new & used starting at $2.86

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Reference -> Atlases & Maps -> World
Subjects -> Reference -> Atlases & Maps -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> Egypt -> General

Editorial Review:

The highly successful "Globetrotter Travel Series", which includes Travel Guides, Maps and Road Atlases, presently covers more than 80 destinations worldwide. The Packs are excellent value, including both a guidebook and a softcover version of the fold-out "Globetrotter" map of the region, in a printed plastic wallet.The handy pocket-size guide is packed with useful information, tips and recommendations, accompanied by colour photographs, charts and maps for the first-time traveller who wants to experience the major highlights that Egypt has to offer. This travel book surpasses other guides in that it incorporates essential information in an easy-to-carry and easy-to-read format that is attractive and useful at the same time. It provides a visitor with an invaluable introduction to Egypt by concisely highlighting the region's 'must see' areas in a practical and user-friendly format, thus encouraging the tourist to make the most of his/her available time. All the essential information you need to get around an unfamiliar region is compacted into useful and practical 'At-a-Glance' sections at the end of each chapter. The fold-out map of Egypt is ideal for tourists and visitors. In addition to the main map of Egypt, which highlights scenic routes, it features 3 detailed area maps and 10 town plans.

Kenya - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette

Jane Barsby

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kuperard Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $5.18

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Anthropology -> General
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Anthropology -> General AAS
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include:

* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken

"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

Ethiopia: Peoples of the Omo Valley

Hans Silvester

Amazon Price: $78.75 List Price: $125.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $52.95

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> How-to -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> How-to -> General AAS
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Travel -> Africa

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Superb! 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I hated to shell out the big bucks, but I've hit rock bottom and I admit I'm a junkie for books on places where I've been in tribal Africa. So I had to do it--and I'm glad I did.

It's hard to imagine having any books at all on tribal life anywhere in the world and not have this two-volume set. The photography and its richness of color as printed on the page just can't be topped. Is it just me, or are more people "discovering" the Omo Valley these days? It's in southern Ethiopia, where people still live much as they have for centuries--they still compete against nature for sustenance, tribes still fight each other for grazing land, women still wear goat skins and the men of some tribes still consider the most minimal of clothing optional. It is one of the few places in the world where tribal attire and body painting is the real, every-day thing--not something put on for tourists. Silvester represents it well in this set. And unlike so many coffee table books, in which any kind of meaningful narrative is catch as catch can, Silvester's narrative is informative and engaging--more anecdotal than a scholarly treatise.

Good news: no thumbnails in the back, where you have to go for captions. Captions are with the pictures, but I wish more of the pictures were captioned.

I was apprehensive about the second volume. The editorial review can be interpreted as meaning photos of the body paintings have been turned into abstract art. I didn't really want to pay for something like that. But again, I wasn't disappointed. The second volume is just photos, not photos reworked into abstract art. The art on their bodies already is abstract art. I swear, I have seen far less impressive paintings hanging in art galleries, commanding many thousands of dollars! Page after page, you will say aloud, "This is amazing!"

Some will hate Silvester's work. As we've seen in other reviews of books covering tribal Africa, there will always be some who seem embarrassed by all the nudity. They will angrily denounce such books as somehow "false," claiming such Africa no longer exists. Weird wishful thinking, I suppose, probably having something to do with internalized racism. This 2-volume set, then, is not for them. This photographer does not select for publication only those shots where an elbow or a leaf just happens to shield the viewer from prudish sensitivities. And that gives you a sense of honesty about the work. You don't feel manipulated as you might if you felt the photographer had an agenda or was trying to be gentle with you. You don't have a vague sense of wondering what else he doesn't want you to know.

The lives and culture of the Omo Valley peoples are so different from ours in the West that we can find them shocking at first take. Sylvester addresses this. "When you see how these people live, you can't help asking: 'What is a savage?' What do we understand by the term 'primitive'?" I wouldn't have used the word "savage," not even in the context of the question, because it might imply the people really are more or less savage unless granted some kind of special, sympathetic interpretation of the depiction. I would not want to remotely suggest they could be seen as "savage." (Perhaps the translation from Silvester's German wasn't the best in this instance.) In any case, once you spend time with these people--in his case, I think it was 9 trips over 3 years--the mystery and the oddities quickly become not so odd or mysterious. Should the photographer, then, produce a work that carefully considers Western unfamiliarity and shock, or a work that caters more to authenticity? He goes for the authentic.

Check out Giansanti's work, and Beckwith & Fisher. Those are great too. But don't come up short without this one, either. It will take you on a wonderful, close-up journey into the harsh but beautiful land, and the hard but beautiful lives of the people of the Omo Valley.

Editorial Review:

In this ambitious work, Hans Silvester turns his photographic eye toward ancient Africa, the birthplace of humanity. Silvester was essentially adopted by his subjects during his travels, and his stunning color photographs present a rare, intimate view of their world.

The first volume of this deluxe two-volume set presents the everyday lives of the Omo people, their rituals, parades, children’s games, and even their battles. In the second volume, each photograph becomes a masterpiece of abstract art, revealing close-ups of the tribes’ traditional body paintings. Silvester’s accompanying text traces his journey to the Horn of Africa, revealing the fascinating beauty of a world now in danger of extinction.