Sun, Sand and Somals Leaves from the note-book of a District Commissioner in British Somaliland

A seasoned district commissioner recounts his years on the remote frontier of British Somaliland, offering a vivid portrait of a world where desert heat meets bustling ports. Through his eyes we meet the Somali people—devout, fiercely independent, and bound by a layered code of tribal and religious law. He describes their everyday lives, from camel caravans and coastal dhows to Somali workers on distant steamships, all illustrated with striking photographs that bring the dusty streets and lively dances to life.

The narrative also follows the tense clash between the colonial outposts and the restless “Mad Mullah,” a charismatic rebel whose raids threatened the fragile peace. As the commissioner navigates disputes, negotiations, and the ever‑shifting alliances of clans, his observations reveal both the challenges of governance and the humanity of those he encounters. Listeners are invited into a richly detailed era, where sun‑scorched landscapes and complex cultures intersect in a story that feels both historic and immediate.