Desert exploration in North Africa: some generalisations

Abstract

AbstractThis paper considers some of the general issues relating to the history of exploration in the Libyan (Western) Desert. These issues are: why there have been remarkably few books on desert exploration; the despised role of the motor car which was so important in the exploration of the Libyan Desert; the longevity of some explorers, the prominent role of women in Islamic travels; the great deal of time – sometimes years – that some of the explorers spent in the field; the role of indigenous people; the parts played by professionals, and amateurs; the undertaking of scientific work of high quality, not least in the field of geomorphology; and the international nature of exploration.