Reading List
As promised, a list of books that are proving useful. As we plough through them I’ll try and pen a few thoughts – but to be honest there’s nothing here that’s bad or will do any harm to anyone’s planning!
Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide
Edition 2.1, Tom Sheppard MBE.
ISBN 978-0-9532324-4-4
Published by Desert Winds, 44 Salusbury Lane, Hitchin, SG5 3EG. 2009
Bought from the Royal Geographical Society £40.00
This book is the absolute authority and bible. If you only buy one book (which would be silly) this is it. It’s 500+ pages in First Edition hardback format exchange on the internet for over £100! The RGS have just released this limited re-print, don’t dither, get in there now.
The content is well organised and designed for targeted browsing rather than cover to cover. However, the writing style is easy and stimulating on the brain so it is quite likely that you’l readily absorb most of the nuggets and tips without realising. I guess though is that the test will be being able to apply it in the field. Nonetheless, you will be better equipped than the rest with this tome – it’s as simple as that.
Four-by-Four Driving (The third edition of Off-roader Driving)
Tom Sheppard MBE.
ISBN 978-0-9532324-3-7
Published by Desert Winds, 44 Salusbury Lane, Hitchin, SG5 3EG. 2006
Bought from the Royal Geographical Society £25.00
Note – both of these Tom Sheppard books were bought from the RGS as a £50 bundle including postage.
A hard backed copy containing a gamut of tips, procedures and considerations. All written in the author’s readable style. Well illustrated.
Sahara Overland
2nd Edition, Chris Scott.
ISBN 978-1873756-76-8
Published by Trailblazer Publications, The Olde Manse, Tower Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6SU 2004 www.trailblazer-guides.com
Bought from Amazon.co.uk £19.99 hardback
Lots of experience and tips. Author bitten by a Land Rover in the past, and the Land Cruiser bias is the subject of much internet forum debate if you are interested. It also features in many reviews of this book on Amazon.
Rachel’s read this, it’s on my pile now….
Oxford Handbook of Expedition and Wilderness Medicine
Dr Chris Johnson, Dr Sarah R. Anderson, Dr Jon Dallimore, Shane Winser, Professor David A. Warrell
ISBN 978-0-19-929661-3
Published by Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP. 2008
Bought from RGS £28
A comprehensive pocket guide to expedition medicine, with practical advice for use in remote environments, and links and references to further information.
Written and edited by experienced expeditioners. Suitable for doctors, paramedics, nurses, and travellers overseas.
This is invaluable. It is well indexed, has a couple of handy textile bookmarks built-in, and can be interpreted by anyone with more than a passing interest in medical welfare. There is a healthy exploration of risk and its management, prompts to think about necessary contingencies and medical kit. Importantly it stresses ethical considerations when travelling into other cultures.
The next test will be to get Rachel to read it. I have a background in allied health professions and a curiosity and interest – but I think at least the tempo and tone will not lose the ‘complete medical lay person’. At least that’s what I hope, as literally, one day my life might depend on it!
The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals
Richard Despard Estes
ISBN 978-0-520-08085-0
Published by University of California Press Ltd, London. 1992
Bought from Amazon.co.uk £18
As Robert Kappa said, “If your photos aren’t good enough, then you’re not close enough.” This book gives anyone professing an interest in Africa’s mammalian fauna the means to understand, appreciate and anticipate what they are seeing. There is a wealth of content, and it will take me a long, long time to digest it. The dilemma is whether to concentrate on the subjects you know and have been lucky enough to have seen – or should you try the more abstract approach of trying to accommodate things that you might look for in places you have yet to visit? The latter takes more time. As such the book might not be best used as a cover to cover read.
Clearly though this is the work of a lifetime enthusiast and curate of the African wilderness. If you glean just a tenth of it’s content you’ll have more substance than most safari bores and enjoy your experience more to boot. It’s not for beginners, who might be better served by a simple illustrated field guide (of which there are many to be commended) but it is certainly complete. A must have for those looking to take their wildlife expeditions and experiences to a higher level.
