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Book Reviews
The Nama Under German Colonial Rule (1884–1904)
Between cooperation and conflict
By Michael Vaupel
During the period from 1884 to 1904 in German South West Africa, Hendrik Witbooi and Theodor Leutwein were the central figures on the Nama and the German side respectively. They fought alongside each other, and they fought against each other – but they always respected each other. What did the general situation between the Nama and the Germans in German South West Africa look like at that time? Author Michael Vaupel examines this question on several levels such as the economy, the military, personal contacts and jurisdiction – with some surprising results. This book is also available in German under the title Die Nama unter deutscher Kolonialherrschaft.
The Search For the Rarest Bird in the World
by Vernon RL Head
Part detective trail, part love affair and pure story telling at its best. In 1990 an expedition of Cambridge scientists arrived at the Plains of Nechisar, tucked between the hills of the Great Rift Valley in the Gamo Gofa province in the country of Ethiopia. On that expedition they collected twenty three species of small mammals, a rodent, a bat; three hundred and fifteen species of birds were seen, sixty nine species of butterfly were identified; twenty species of dragonflies and damselflies; seventeen reptile species were recorded; three frog species were filed; plants were listed. And the wing of a bird was packed into a brown paper bag. It was to become the most famous wing in the world. When the specimens finally arrived at the British Natural History Museum in Tring it set the world of science aflutter. It seemed that the wing was unique, but they questioned, can you name a species for the first time based only on the description of a wing, based on just one wing? After much to and fro confirmation was unanimous, and the new species was announced, Nechisar Nightjar, Caprimulgus solala, (solus:only and ala:wing). And birdwatchers like Vernon began to dream. Twenty two years later an expedition of four led by Ian Sinclair set off to try to find this rarest bird in the world. Vernon R.L. Head captivates and enchants as he tells of the adventures of Ian, Dennis, Gerry and himself as they navigate the wilderness of the plains, searching by spotlight for the elusive Nechisar Nightjar. But this book is more than a boy’s own adventure in search of the rarest bird in the world. It is a meditation on nature, on ways of seeing, on the naming of things and why we feel so compelled to label. It is a story of friendships and camaraderie. But most of all it embraces and enfolds one into the curious and eye-opening world of the birdwatcher. For birdwatchers, twitchers, bird lovers, and about-to- become birdwatchers everywhere. For those who enjoy the natural world, the outdoors, the untamed places. Reminiscent of Nathaniel’s Nutmeg and Longitude, this true story of incredible adventure will bring out the explorer in everyone who reads it.
The Diary of a CEO
The 33 Laws of Business & Life
By Steven Bartlett
This is not a book about business strategy. Strategy changes like the seasons. This is a book about something much more permanent. At the very heart of all the success and failure I’ve been exposed to – both my own entrepreneurial journey and through the thousands of interviews I’ve conducted on my podcast –are a set of principles that can stand the test of time, apply to any industry, and be used by anyone who is in search of building something great or becoming someone great. These are the fundamental laws that will ensure excellence. They are rooted in psychology and behavioural science, based on the wisdom of tens of thousands of people I’ve surveyed across every continent and age group, and of course, drawn from the conversations I’ve had on my chart-topping podcast with the world’s most successful people. These laws will work now or 100 years from now. Are you ready to get started?
Namibia, Any Road Will Do
A 46-year retrospective photographic portfolio (1978–2023)
By Hentie Burger
A captivating exploration of 46 years of images and ideas on the profound connection between travel, photography and being present in the moment. In a departure from his previous works, renowned independent photographer Hentie Burger’s autobiographic compilation considers the experiences that have shaped his extraordinary journey as a traveller, photographer and human. With a keen eye for the beauty in the ordinary, Burger takes readers on a reflective odyssey, guiding them through the transformative power of travel and the art of capturing fleeting moments through his lens. Along with his quirky prose and philosophical musings, Burger invites us to shed our preconceived notions and immerse ourselves fully in the present, allowing the world to reveal its splendour in unexpected ways. Namibia, Any Road Will Do is a testament to the idea that there are no wrong turns in life, only unexplored paths. Leave behind the noise and haste and explore the vast network of Namibian roads that connect us to the natural world, our cherished companions and the most soulful versions of ourselves.
