Mary Kingsley - A nineteenth century heroine
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The unusually comprehensive Amazon review of this great book somewhat steals the thunder of all other potential reviewers.
However, I would add a few comments. When reading this 19th century account of Travels in West Africa and learning of the sometimes horrific experiences of the writer I had to keep reminding myself that this book described the travels of a 30 year old woman. Cannibalism, wild animals,difficult terrain, including mangrove swamps,and horrendous sleeping accommodation all add to the trials and tribulations of the extremely resourceful Mary Kingsley.
The following paragraph only relates to Travels in West Africa (National Geographic Adventure Classics Edition) by Mary Kingsley (Paperback):
I am not a fan of "political correctness" or "censorship" so I was somewhat disappointed to read in Anthony Brandt's introduction that two chapters had been deleted as they "were out of date" and included "assumptions.........discredited for generations". Old books should not be tampered with, they should be republished in their original state and therefore reflect the way of life when the book was written. It should be left to the reader to decide whether to accept certain passages or reject them.
Despite the withdrawal of two chapters and the fact that this book was written towards the end of the 19th century it still remains a great read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure in its rawest state.
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