comments on books, exhibitions, museums, but also on current affairs
The title of Virginia Cowles’ memoir as a war correspondent neatly covers the contents. “Looking for Trouble” (1941) is exactly what this enterprising young female American journalist has been doing between 1937, covering the Spanish civil war, and 1941, when she wrote this book in the aftermath of the Battle of Britain. In between, … Read more
Although I have never been to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country has fascinated me for years. I have a collection of books on Congo, many of which I read during the Corona lockdown of 2021. Below are some of my observations on most of those books. Note that many more people have written … Read more
One of the most curious books written on Haiti is “The White King of La Gonave: The True Story of the Sergeant of Marines Who Was Crowned King on a Voodoo Island” (1931), by Faustin Wirkus and ghost writer Taney Dudley (I have a Dutch translation published shortly after, called “De Blanke Negerkoning”, or the … Read more
There are two sections here: The first list, a selection from my own library, is by no means complete. And what is more, I put this section of my library together quite some time ago, during my stay in Haiti between 2000-2003, I am sure there has been a lot more published since, not … Read more
Eén van de meest fascinerende boeken die ik dit jaar gelezen heb is “Pelgrim” (2017) van Philip Droge. De ondertitel zegt veel: ‘Leven en Reizen van Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, Wetenschapper, Spion, Avonturier’. Wellicht had het woordje ‘Opportunist’ aan dit rijtje toegevoegd kunnen worden. Snouck Hurgronje begint met een studie theologie aan het eind van de … Read more
As so often, some background information makes traveling so much more enjoyable. Here a few books to consider – or not – when traveling in the South Caucasus. (This list put together in 2019 and added to in 2022.) 1. There is perhaps no better introduction to the Caucasus than reading the fictional “Ali and … Read more
Chile As always, some reading material accompanies us on our trips, for the better understanding of what we see around us, for some historical context, and for the entertainment provided by other’s adventures. “Chile: Travels in a Thin Country” (1994) is Sara Wheeler’s account of a trip from north to south Chile, Ms Wheeler … Read more
“Ver van mijn Bed” (2011) van Antoinette Vlieger heeft als subtitel “Avonturen op het Arabisch Schiereiland”. Mevrouw Vlieger heeft voor haar promotie onderzoek naar de rechten van dienstmeisjes in het Midden Oosten een aantal maanden doorgebracht in Dubai en Saoedi Arabië, en schrijft boeiend over haar ervaringen daar. Zonder haar hele proefschrift nou meteen in … Read more
a reading list for Iran
I got to know the books of Diana Darke in the early 1990s, when I lived in Turkey. Ms. Darke has written two entertaining, and excellent travel guides about this country, characterized by her thorough knowledge not only of the culture, but also of obscure places where to find the best examples of, say, Armenian … Read more