Revealing the Return Journey
BURCHELL'S AFRICAN ODYSSEY
A new book on the great naturalist and explorer, William Burchell, who traveled extensively in southern Africa. Our illustrated book reveals the narrative and natural history discoveries of his unpublished return journey (1812-1815), from the south-eastern Kalahari to Cape Town via the mouth of the Great Fish River.
ABOUT BURCHELL'S AFRICAN ODYSSEY
Book Jacket of Burchell's African Odyssey
Immerse yourself in the African odyssey of William John Burchell (1781-1863), who travelled extensively in southern Africa from 1810 to 1815. Our illustrated book reveals the narrative and natural history discoveries of his unpublished return journey (1812-1815) from the south-eastern Kalahari to Cape Town via the mouth of the Great Fish River.
The English naturalist arrived in Cape Town in November 1810 to explore the flora and fauna of the vast southern African interior. Over a four-year period, travelling in a custom-built oxwagon, he amassed an astonishing 63 000 specimens of plants, bulbs, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals – many not previously documented for science – as well as over 500 paintings and illustrations.
While the outbound trek is well described in Burchell’s famous Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa, little has been published about the challenges and discoveries made on his return journey to Cape Town, from 1812–1815. This groundbreaking book traces the homeward leg of Burchell’s epic odyssey – through the arid northern Cape, the Great Karoo, the war-ravaged eastern Cape, and along the Eden-like southern Cape coast.
Drawing on primary and secondary sources, including Burchell’s letters and the detailed map he created to record his trek, the authors have crafted a thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated account that encompasses both the genius of the man and the natural history of the region that so intrigued him.
CLIVIA WONDERS SPONSORS OUR WEBSITE
CLIVIA WONDERS (www.cliviawonders.co.za) have morphed into CLIVIA HABIT (www.cliviahabitat.com).
CLIVIA WONDERS habitat is located near Burchell's discovery of Clivias. We have brought together and cultivated some of the most valuable and exquisite specimens in a quest to be the premier Clivia resource.