The Unveiling of Timbuctoo

by Galbraith Welch

This is the remarkable story of Rene Caillie, a young Frenchman, who in 1828 became the first European to reach the unknown, sacred city of Timbuctoo and escape alive. His is one of the most... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0881847909
• ISBN13: 9780881847901
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

The Value of Persistence

Rene Caillie was one of the great explorers and adventurers in European history. His journey to Timbuctoo is awe inspiring. It is a grand testament to the human spirit that he was able to overcome so many obstacles to achieve this staggering dream. This uneducated, unfinanced young man attained a goal unfullfilled by many a great explorer. Galbraith Welch does a fine job of retelling this amazing tale. I would have to state that I found some of her narrative condescending to the African natives and customs that Caillie encountered in his rounds. There is a trace of a sneer which was probably lacking in Caillie himself. This is a minor criticism, however. Welch was also a product of her own era. It does not diminish from a spectacular achievement. I was inspired by this story. The human spirit once more displays its glory. Obstacles can be overcome and goals can be attained. Overall, this is a valuable book to read.