Burchells African Odyssey: Retracing the Return Journey 18121815

The English botanist William Burchell arrived in 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 over 500paintings and illustrations. While the outbound trek is well described in Burchells 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 18121815. This pioneering book traces the homeward leg of Burchells 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 Burchells 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. Sales points: Fills a major gap in what is known of Burchells travels in southern Africa; sheds new light on Burchells character and his discoveries; contains information, illustrations and watercolours not published before; coincides with the bicentenary of the publication of Vol. 1 of Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa. See more