Voyage dans le Soudan occidental (Sénégambie-Niger)

In this richly illustrated journal, a French naval lieutenant takes the listener deep into the heart of western Sudan during the mid‑1860s. Over three years he charts the riverine routes of Senegambia and the Niger, noting the striking landscapes, bustling markets, and daily rhythms of the peoples he meets. His keen eye captures both the grandeur of the savannah and the subtle details of local customs, all rendered alongside 81 wood‑engraved plates that bring the scenery to life.

Beyond geography, the narrative weaves personal reflections on duty, scientific curiosity, and the uneasy promise of French influence in a region still largely unknown to Europe. The author’s candid tone avoids romantic embellishment, offering instead a sober account of hardships, encounters with diverse ethnic groups, and moments of unexpected hospitality. Listeners will hear the chorus of river traffic, the cadence of markets, and the quiet awe of a traveler who felt both humbled and exhilarated by what lay before him.