Dimensions
138 x 216 x 31mm
Or, Shifts and Contrivances Available in Wild Countries
Few Victorian travellers set off without a copy of this indispensable volume in their baggage. Francis Galton conceived the idea for this book while exploring South-Western Africa in the 1850's. "Remembering how every traveller discovers some useful contrivances for himself, it appeared to me that I should do welcome service to all who have to rough it - whether explorers, emigrants, missionaries or soldiers - by collecting the scattered experiences of many such persons in various circumstances . . . and deducing from them what might fairly be called an Art of Travel."
The book, first published in 1855, ran into eight editions - the present volume is the last edition to incorporate new materials. Quaint, practical, curious, politically incorrect (very), it is essential reading for those who want to know how the Tibetans keep warm at night; how the Chinese stop asses braying, how to build a snow house, pitch a tent, dry your clothes and a multitude of other tried, tested and forgotten tips for Victorian (and 21st century) travellers.
