Richard Bulliet's, Camel and the Wheel, is a seminal example of social history from the perspective of an animal. In the vein of the French Annales school of Marc Bloch and Ladurie, Bulliet traces the origin of the camel in North America (!), tracks how it got to the Middle East, how it came to be the favourite beast of the Arabs and how it helped to facilitate the lightening Muslim conquests in the 7th century that brought all of North Africa, Spain, the Levant, Iran, and Sind under Muslim control by 711 C.E. Bulliet lays out some surprising discoveries in the realm of camel saddles and explains why they carry the key to the Arab conquests. Significantly, Bulliet posits a brilliant counter-intuitive theory for the disappearance of the wheel from the Middle East for the better part of a millenium--a theory that is no longer even questioned. Readers will find intriguing and superbly documented responses to some of these crucial issues. A veritable historical "who-dunnit", Camel and the Wheel is an entertaining and enlightening read!

I was given this book as a Christmas present by my wife. She has had to endure my love for these splendid ships for many years. As an ex-Union Castle sea going officer I opened the pages expecting to find a simple catalogue of events. In reality what I found was a book written by someone who looks back on these halcyon days with all the fondness and longing as I. For anyone who has travelled to and from South Africa either as a passenger or a member of the ship's company will delight in this opportunity to re-live some memorable days... and nights!

In 1808, the African slave trade was outlawed in the United States. In that year also, Theophilus Conneau was born in Florence, Tuscany of French parentage. In 1854, he wrote an autobiographical account of his life that is part history, part ethnology, but mostly a picaresque adventure of his life at sea, in Africa, and in the Caribbean. Much of that life was devoted to the slave trade, from the purchases made from the local West African coastal chieftains to the sale of his merchandise in Cuba. He describes all aspects of the "business" and includes ledgers and balance sheets detailing outfitting of his ships, provisioning for the voyage, hiring and pay of the officers and crew, prices paid for the "cargo" and profits made on the transactions.

This book is not "politically correct" and reflects the moral outlook of its white, Christian, male, 19th century European author. He does not apologize for his actions or the effects on the lives (or deaths) of his inventory but only seems slightly squeamish with his readers due to the fact that he was doing something illegal, namely smuggling human beings into bondage. His disregard of human life and suffering is manifested throughout although he professes to be bothered by extreme violence. He claims, for example, that branding of the slaves "is one of those forcible cruelties which cannot be avoided." He constantly refers to deaths of the slaves in terms of percentage rates and as a normal cost of doing business. He claims that life as a slave in the New World is preferable and preferred by the slaves themselves to their previous lives in Africa.

Although not morally enlightening, the account does include much valuable insight into how the slave trade actually operated and was conducted including the participation of other Africans in providing the individuals transported across the Atlantic. As first published, the book was written in polished and elegant English by Brantz Mayer who edited Conneau's original manuscript version. During the 1970's, the original manuscript was discovered in the back room of a Washington D.C. bookseller going out of business. This was published in 1976 as 'A SLAVER'S LOGBOOK or 20 YEARS' RESIDENCE IN AFRICA' and includes much material deleted or "improved" by Mayer in 1854.

This is the account of two "ordinary" people who lead an incredible life. For thirty-five years they were missionaries in Africa. These are no "Ugly Americans" looking down on those they came to serve. Their love for the people is matched by the respect and esteem they earned from both the poorest of the poor and from the highest levels of the Zairian government.

The story recounts both hardships and blessings as they persevered through every imaginable trial, from illness to the Simba Rebellion. Their practical approach to problems and their ability to see the humor in many of their everyday challenges is inspiring.

I was impressed by the unwavering faith in God and the resulting peace that they display, under the most dire circumstances. What a contrast between their genuine humility and the amazing work they did in service to God and their fellow man!

I will submit it after recieving the book

As a collector of venetian chevrons and trade beads for a little over 15 years, I find that this book, like all of their books (7 in all), is the best published reference material about chevrons yet. There is not one other book that comes close to having the amount of information or pictures that this book possesses. A MUST for any beginning collector; a very important tool to help you from becoming prey to the many frauds that have recently infiltrated the hobby. All you serious bead traders should already have these books.

My seven year old nephew and I read this book one rainy day and we both thought that it was great. The colors and the story were well thought out and we would like to find other books like it.

Composed of myriad primary sources, Conrad prefaces each document with a description, date and summary of the following text. Organized topically and then chronologically within each section, the format perfectly suits the researcher. Interestingly, (for my purposes) the text contains numerous accounts of quilombos in Palmares, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and others. The documents date from 1550 (approx.) through the final proclamation ending slavery in Brazil in 1888. Outstanding research tool, as well as an interesting read for those wishing to learn, first hand, about slavery in Brazil.

Having just returned from Mauritania as a Peace Corps volunteer, I found this book culturally rich and sensitive in it's subject matter. The photographs are beautiful and depicts what life is like in Mauritania for many people. I also liked that there were two different ethnic groups explained. This is very important to understanding Mauritanian culture.For children, it is approachable and easy to follow. This is a very unique culture and the author does the richness of this culture justice in her book.