Forbidden Sands

by Richard Trench

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0897330277
• ISBN13: 9780897330275
• Release Date: January 1822
• Publisher: Academy Chicago Publishers
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Trip through Sahara in Mali

In 1974 Richard Trench decided to undertake a journalistic investigation of the salt mines in Taoudenni, Mali, which were thought to be the site of slave labor done by prisoners. Salt mining in this part of Africa is an important part of history and lore; salt has been carried to market by camel caravan for centuries, and it was at times so rare that it was reportedly worth its weight in gold. Trench's journey required a carefully planned overland trip on camelback. Trench lived and traveled with nomads through the Sahara to Taoudenni then on to Timbuktu. His account of the journey -- his relationship with his guides, the difficulties of desert travel, encounters with government officials -- is very good reading. "Forbidden Sands" also contains the fruits of his research into the historical record of the region. (Ibn Battuta and Rene Caillie, for example.) A great book for armchair travelers or readers interested in the Eastern Sahara and Mali.