Travels into the Interior of Africa

April 15, 2004
In the late 1790s and early 1800s, British explorer Park attempted to trace the course of the Niger River. He made two journeys, neither of which succeeded in their stated objective, but he left behind a detailed, vivid account of his travels; evidence suggests that Park was killed a few days after the last entry in his journal. On his first journey, Park undertook to chart the Niger primarily by himself. He showed patience, humor, and respect in his recording of interactions with native peoples. He described customs, the land, commerce, tribal differences and traditions, and his reception by the natives. In the second journal, Park tersely described his journey to the Niger accompanied by white men and baggage. Disaster attended every step of this trip: fever, dysentery, wolves, and lions decimated his regiment, and Park's perceptions lacked the careful thought exhibited in the first journal. This time, Park was in charge of other people, and the pressure shows. Taken together, these two journals form a remarkable document providing a view into a world that has since moved on. Anthony Sattin's afterword provides excellent context. Well produced, this is recommended for all libraries.-Audrey Snowden, Brewer, ME

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