The Lost World of the Kalahari

The Lost World of the Kalahari by Laurens van der Post is a captivating blend of travel writing and cultural exploration. It brings the Kalahari Desert and its people to life, offering thoughtful reflections on humanity and nature. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in adventure and deeper cultural insight.

The book starts with a couple chapters nonchalantly describing the genocide of the Kalahari Bushmen,. Next is a long descriptive slog through the dusty trail of logistics and mis-matched expedition team members. Finally, at the very end our explorer finds a remnant band and makes interesting western-centric profoundly ignorant observations about this vanishing people.

Van der Post had set out to complete a film about the Kalahari and to fulfill the life-long dream of re-kindling a childhood fascination with the Bushmen. As for the former goal, the book is full of references to cinematic failures, and there is no mention of the outcome. (Apparently there was later a BBC series on the subject.) And der Post was clearly successful with the show more latter goal. A solid 3.76 stars, I'll round up.

I listened the old ISIS audio recording with John Nettleton, narrator. He had a wonderful voice, reminiscent of the "Fractured Fairy Tales" narrator, Edward Everett Horton. show less

Laurens van der Post was fascinated and appalled at the fate of this remarkable people. Ostracised by all the changing face of African cultural life they retreated deep into the Kalahari desert. His fascinating attempt to capture their way of life and the secrets of their ancient heritage provide captivating reading and a unique insight into a forgotten way of life.

In this book van der Post establishes his role as a distinguished explorer and writer describing the rediscovery of the Bushmen, outcast survivors from Stone Age Africa.

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