This image is the cover for the book Travels through Central Africa to Timbuctoo and across the Great Desert to Morocco performed in the year 1824-1828, Vol. II, Classics To Go

Travels through Central Africa to Timbuctoo and across the Great Desert to Morocco performed in the year 1824-1828, Vol. II, Classics To Go

Travels through Central Africa to Timbuctoo and across the Great Desert to Morocco performed in the year 1824-1828, Vol. II is a travelogue written by René Caillié, a French explorer who made a journey to Timbuktu and back in the early 19th century. In the second volume of his work, Caillié details his return journey from Timbuktu to Morocco, covering a distance of approximately 3,000 miles. He describes the people and cultures he encounters along the way, including the Tuareg people, and provides a wealth of information on the geography, flora, and fauna of the region. The narrative is both informative and engaging, providing a fascinating glimpse into the world of West Africa during this time period.

René Caillié

René Caillié (1799-1838) was a French explorer and travel writer who is best known for being the first European to return alive from the West African city of Timbuktu. He was born in Mauzé-Thouarsais, France, and trained as a surgeon before turning to exploration. In 1824, Caillié set out on an expedition to West Africa, with the goal of reaching Timbuktu and learning more about the region's culture and trade. He traveled alone and disguised as a Muslim, enduring many hardships along the way. After months of travel, Caillié finally reached Timbuktu, where he spent several weeks learning about the city and its people. Caillié returned to France in 1828 and published an account of his travels in 1830, titled "Travels through Central Africa to Timbuctoo; and across the Great Desert, to Morocco, performed in the years 1824-1828." The book was a bestseller and helped to popularize African exploration and travel writing in Europe. In addition to his travels and writing, Caillié was also a scholar and linguist, and he worked to promote the study of African languages and cultures in France. He also helped to establish the French Ethnological Society, which was dedicated to the study of non-European cultures and societies. René Caillié's contributions to exploration and travel writing were significant, and his legacy continues to be felt today. His travels to Timbuktu and his subsequent writings helped to expand European knowledge of West Africa and its cultures, and his work as a scholar and linguist helped to promote greater understanding and appreciation of non-European cultures.

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