Sieben Jahre in Süd-Afrika. Erster Band. by Emil Holub

Sieben Jahre in Süd-Afrika. Erster Band (Seven Years in South Africa. First Volume) is a travelogue by Austrian explorer Emil Holub, published in 1881. The book describes Holub's expeditions in southern Africa from 1872 to 1879, during which he traveled from the diamond fields to the Zambezi River.

Summary

The book is divided into 14 chapters, which cover the following topics:

• Chapter 1: Holub's early life and his decision to become an explorer
• Chapter 2: Holub's journey to South Africa and his first impressions of the country
• Chapter 3: Holub's work as a diamond prospector
• Chapters 4-7: Holub's first expedition to the interior of South Africa, during which he visited the lands of the Basotho, Bapedi, and Swazi people
• Chapters 8-12: Holub's second expedition to the interior of South Africa, during which he traveled to the Limpopo River and the Makgadikgadi Pan
• Chapters 13-14: Holub's return to Europe and his reflections on his experiences in Africa

Holub's observations

Holub's book provides a detailed and fascinating account of southern Africa in the late 19th century. He describes the region's geography, climate, flora, and fauna, as well as the cultures and customs of its inhabitants. He also writes about the political and social changes that were taking place in the region at the time, including the expansion of European colonialism and the rise of the Zulu kingdom.

Holub's legacy

Sieben Jahre in Süd-Afrika was a popular success in its day and helped to make Holub a famous explorer. The book has been translated into several languages and is still read today by scholars and general readers alike. It is an important source of information about southern Africa in the late 19th century and a valuable contribution to the literature of exploration.

Additional points

• Holub was a keen observer of the natural world and his book contains many detailed descriptions of the plants and animals of southern Africa.
• Holub was also interested in the cultures of the people he met on his travels and he wrote extensively about their customs, beliefs, and social structures.
• Holub's book is a valuable resource for historians and anthropologists who are interested in studying southern Africa in the late 19th century.