What is this book about?
The book chronicles William Howard Russell's travels along the tributaries of the Nile river system in Abyssinia during the late 19th century. He details the geography, the challenging journey, the people he encounters, and the political climate of the region. A significant part of the book focuses on his exploration of the Hamran region, where he investigates the lives and activities of the 'Sword Hunters'—a group of Arabs involved in hunting large antelopes using swords, often for the sake of sport and prestige. Russell combines adventure, meticulous observation, and anthropological curiosity, providing readers with a vivid picture of African landscapes, cultures, and the human experiences encountered during this era of exploration.
