#BookReview: Burchell’s African Odyssey
While the outbound trek is well described in Burchell's famous Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa, this book records the challenges and discoveries made on his return journey to Cape Town between 1812 and 1815.
If you know Burchell’s Coucal or Burchell’s Zebra – among many other items in nature bearing his name – and have wondered who this person was, Burchell’s African Odyssey: Revealing the Return Journey 1812 -1815 (Struik) is a beautiful introduction.
Burchell was an English naturalist who set off from Cape Town in June 1811 to explore the flora and fauna of the vast southern African interior.
Over a four-year period, and travelling in a custom-built ox wagon, he amassed an astonishing 63 000 specimens of plants, bulbs, insects, reptiles and mammals – many not previously documented for science – as well as more than 500 paintings and illustrations.
Independently wealthy, Burchell was able to prepare for his journey with an extensive collection of equipment to ensure the success of his journey.
Amusingly, included in his packing was “one English flag, to be hoisted on Sundays”.
While the outbound trek is well described in Burchell’s famous Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa, this book records the challenges and discoveries made on his return journey to Cape Town, from 1812–1815.
The homeward leg is followed through the arid northern Cape, the Great Karoo, the war-ravaged eastern Cape, and along the Eden-like southern Cape coast.
Of particular note are the many beautiful and detailed drawings and paintings of the flora, fauna and people Burchell encountered, together with the maps he drew.
The authors have created a fascinating account that encompasses both the genius of the man and the natural history of the region that so intrigued him.
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