Abissinia: Giornale di un viaggio

Stepping into this vivid travelogue, listeners are invited to follow the footsteps of a humble Italian explorer who set out for the then‑mysterious land of Abyssinia in the autumn of 1878. Written as a personal diary rather than a scholarly treatise, the narrative balances earnest observation with the poet’s heart, even dedicating the whole work to the author’s beloved mother. Interspersed with original sketches, panoramic views, and a facsimile of a royal Ethiopian letter, the journal feels like an intimate scrapbook of a curious traveler eager to record every colour and sound he encounters.

The opening chapters recount the expedition’s departure from Italy, its passage through Alexandria and the bustling port of Suez, and the first sight of the Red Sea coast at Massawa. Along the way the narrator describes the desert’s stark beauty, the hospitality of locals, and the logistical challenges of moving men and supplies across unfamiliar terrain. The careful, unembellished style draws listeners into the rhythm of daily travel, offering a genuine glimpse of a 19th‑century adventure before the party even reaches the highlands.