THE EXPLORATION OF AFRICA: From Cairo to...

THE EXPLORATION OF AFRICA: From Cairo to the Cape by Anne Hugon (Abrams: $12.95; 175 pp.; illustrated, paperback original). Hugon chronicles the European exploration and exploitation of the “Dark Continent” in this attractive entry in Abrams’ “Discoveries” series. The author balances the accomplishments of the 19th-Century explorers who mapped much of central Africa against the arrogance that enabled them to “discover” and “name” mountains, lakes and other landmarks the indigenous people had known for centuries. The text is supplemented with excerpts from diaries, letters and published accounts.