In Barbary : Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and the Sahara

The author guides listeners through the lands commonly called Barbary—Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and the Sahara—showing how familiar postcards and Hollywood scenes have turned these regions into a collection of clichés. By weaving personal travel anecdotes with vivid descriptions of snow‑capped Atlas peaks, pine‑filled valleys, and bustling market streets, the narrative reveals a terrain as varied as Europe’s own, from coastal harbors to high‑altitude plateaus. Richly illustrated with photographs and maps, the early chapters set a clear picture of a people often mislabeled, emphasizing the Berber majority and their deep historical roots.

Beyond the scenery, the book explores the layered cultures, the lingering legacy of Ottoman and French influences, and the everyday lives of farmers, traders, and soldiers who move across desert routes and mountain passes. Listeners will come away with a refreshed understanding of North Africa’s geography, climate, and social fabric—far removed from the exotic myths that have long obscured its true character.