A story of railway development in southern and east Africa, notable for its fluency, humour and human interest. Rhodes's visionary Cape-to-Cairo scheme had given birth to a sophisticated network of railway lines linking Botswana, Rhodesia, Zambia and the Congo with the southern and eastern seaports of the continent by the early years of this century. The contribution made to the development of these countries by those who planned, built and worked the communications system can never be over-estimated; indeed, the railways was the major civilizing factor in Africa. H. F. Varian was one such pioneer he spent some 50 years on projects in Mocambique, Rhodesia, Angola and in East Africa. African Milestones is a personal description of the day-to-day business of railway construction in the early and middle years. It is an historical document which touches on many branches of technology and science (including zoology); h is also a thoroughly good story. its characters range from Royalty to secret agents. Featured are such greats as Rhodes, Machado, Lawley, Pauling, Metcalfe and Selous. Among the not-so-great are such salty personalities as O'Rory of the Hills, Johnie the Frenchman, Larson the Swede, Bloody Bill Upscher, African queens, witchdoctors and snake charmers. This is a first class tale of adventure and achievement, told with modesty and a sense of fun..

STATUS: AVAILABLE

 

$34.95 plus shipping

Return to BOOK SALES