The Discovery of River Gambra (1623) by Richard Jobson by Richard Jobson

The Discovery of River Gambra (1623) by Richard Jobson by Richard Jobson

In 1623 Richard Jobson published an account of a 1620-1621 English voyage up River Gambra, during which a party, led by himself, penetrated to a point some 460 miles up-river. The purpose of the voyage was to make contact with the gold trade of the West African interior, but in this there was little success. However, Jobson’s account of the river, its commerce, natural history, peoples, religions and polities, was the earliest to appear in print, in this fullness of detail, in any language. It was also the earliest detailed account of any part of Black Africa, by an Englishman. Jobson’s account, almost entirely original, has special interest in its author’s observations on the African scene, particularly those on the African peoples and individuals encountered. Jobson discusses such topics as local agriculture and trade, the role of Islam, political culture, and the position of women. Despite the limits of his experience, his observations are seemingly accurate and generally perceptive, as well as being (perhaps unexpectedly) often tolerant and even sympathetic.

Richard Jobson, David P. Gamble and P.E.H. Hair

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780904180640
ISBN 10	0904180646
Title	The Discovery of River Gambra (1623) by Richard Jobson
Author	Richard Jobson
Series	Hakluyt Society Third Series
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Taylor & Francis Ltd
Year published	1999-09-16
Number of pages	368
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.