"River of the Gods - Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile" by Candice Millard
Just finished reading "River of the Gods - Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile" by Candice Millard, published by Doubleday Books.
It's hard to believe that it was only just about two centuries ago when vast portions of the world were still unknown and the location of the source of the Nile was a mystery waiting to be solved by adventurous Englishmen.
Millard has spun an intriguing biography of the quest for the Nile's source by two friends, who would later turn out to be bitter rivals - isn't that the way it usually ends up? - Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke. While Millard focuses on the more popularly historical Burton, it's interesting to see how Speke's initial triumph in beating Burton to the source of the Nile ultimately led to his own suicidal downfall that has tainted his legacy since it's Burton who is remembered for his achievements and not Speke.
Highly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/River-Gods-Gen...
It's hard to believe that it was only just about two centuries ago when vast portions of the world were still unknown and the location of the source of the Nile was a mystery waiting to be solved by adventurous Englishmen.
Millard has spun an intriguing biography of the quest for the Nile's source by two friends, who would later turn out to be bitter rivals - isn't that the way it usually ends up? - Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke. While Millard focuses on the more popularly historical Burton, it's interesting to see how Speke's initial triumph in beating Burton to the source of the Nile ultimately led to his own suicidal downfall that has tainted his legacy since it's Burton who is remembered for his achievements and not Speke.
Highly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/River-Gods-Gen...
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