×

Warning

The mail function has been disabled by an administrator.

In Praise of Savagery: Warwick Cairns

By  Verge

An account of the life and death of iconic British explorer and travel writer, Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger.

In Praise of Savagery: A Journey to the Heart of Africa. Via Harlow.: Warwick Cairns 

HARPERCOLLINS, 2010

Don’t let the name fool you; In Praise of Savagery isn’t a Heart of Darkness-esque exploration into the “savage heart” of Africa. Rather, it is an account of the life and death of British explorer and travel writer Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger who ventured deep into Ethiopia in the 1930s when it was considered too dangerous for most. Upon striking up a friendship with Thesiger in his later years, the author visits him at his second home – a mud hut in Ethiopia – to receive his life stories, which Cairn mingles with his own personal experiences travelling through the continent and becoming acquainted with the explorer. The end result is an almost surreal historical narrative that is, at all times, humorous, adventurous and filled with pathos.

Add this article to your reading list
Published in Book reviews
Tagged under

Join the Verge Community

Verge Magazine Membership


Join our community of savvy travellers and put nearly two decades of inspiring articles, authoritative information and expert advice to work for you.

Show me more > Login >

 

Travel Intelligence Bulletin

Namibia

The latest openings overseas—direct to your inbox.

Subscriber Login

About

Travel with purpose; travel for good. Articles, resources and events for ethical and meaningful travel, volunteering, working and studying abroad.

Verge believes in travel for change. International experience creates global citizens, who can change our planet for the better. This belief is at the core of everything we do.

Like what you see?

Follow us on social media