Travel

A merchant’s account of his travels through an independent African state

Muhammad ibn 'Umar al-Tunisi (d. 1274/1857) belonged to a family of Tunisian merchants trading with Egypt and what is now Sudan. Al-Tunisi was raised in Cairo and a graduate of al-Azhar. In 1803, at the age of fourteen, al-Tunisi set off for the Sultanate of Darfur, where his father had decamped ten years earlier. He followed the Forty Days Road, was reunited with his father, and eventually took over the management of the considerable estates granted to his father by the sultan of Darfur. In Darfur is al-Tunisi’s remarkable account of his ten-year sojourn in this independent state.

In Volume Two al-Tunisi describes the geography of the region, the customs of Darfur’s petty kings, court life and the clothing of its rulers, marriage customs, eunuchs, illnesses, food, hunting, animals, currencies, plants, magic, divination, and dances. In Darfur combines literature, history, ethnography, linguistics, and travel adventure, and most unusually for its time, includes fifty-two illustrations, all drawn by the author.

In Darfur is a rare example of an Arab description of Africa on the eve of Western colonization and vividly evokes a world in which travel was untrammeled by bureaucracy, borders were fluid, and startling coincidences appear almost mundane.

A bilingual Arabic-English edition.

A merchant’s account of his travels through an independent African state

Muhammad ibn 'Umar al-Tunisi (d. 1274/1857) belonged to a family of Tunisian merchants trading with Egypt and what is now Sudan. Al-Tunisi was raised in Cairo and a graduate of al-Azhar. In 1803, at the age of fourteen, al-Tunisi set off for the Sultanate of Darfur, where his father had decamped ten years earlier. He followed the Forty Days Road, was reunited with his father, and eventually took over the management of the considerable estates granted to his father by the sultan of Darfur. In Darfur is al-Tunisi’s remarkable account of his ten-year sojourn in this independent state.

In Volume One, al-Tunisi relates the history of his much-traveled family, his journey from Egypt to Darfur, and the reign of the noted sultan 'Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid. In Darfur combines literature, history, ethnography, linguistics, and travel adventure, and most unusually for its time, includes fifty-two illustrations, all drawn by the author.

In Darfur is a rare example of an Arab description of Africa on the eve of Western colonization and vividly evokes a world in which travel was untrammeled by bureaucracy, borders were fluid, and startling coincidences appear almost mundane.

A bilingual Arabic-English edition.

The Little Book of Las Vegas is a compact celebration of one of the world's most dazzling cities. Packed with fascinating facts, evocative quotes and fun trivia, it beautifully captures the spirit, spectacle and strangeness of this extraordinary desert destination.

"Sin City" is celebrated for its unparalleled luxury and world-class entertainment, but there's so much more to discover. Explore the origins of iconic landmarks, meet the colourful characters who shaped the city and uncover the stories behind the neon lights and showbiz sparkle. Whether you're drawn to Vegas's glamorous past, its high-stakes present or its outrageous charm, this book offers a whirlwind tour of one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Perfect as a gift, souvenir or keepsake, this is Vegas - bold, bright and brilliant.

Sample Content:

"Las Vegas is the only place I know where money really talks - it says, Goodbye."
Frank Sinatra

"The night before I left Las Vegas, I walked out in the desert to look at the moon. There was a jewelled city on the horizon, spires rising in the night, but the jewels were diadems of electric and the spires were the neon of signs ten stories high."
Norman Mailer, An American Dream: A Novel, 2013

Las Vegas isn't just the entertainment capital of the world - it's also the wedding capital, hosting more than 70,000 "I do"s every year. Want to tie the knot dressed as aliens? Sealed with a kiss in a pink Cadillac? No problem. Vegas does weddings like it does everything else - fast, flashy and full of flair. With 24/7 chapels, drive-through vows and zero red tape, getting hitched in Vegas is part romance, part spectacle and 100% unforgettable!

Celebrate the beauty of the burger with this in-depth guide to the best patties and buns from around the USA and the world beyond.

Burgers are a serious business, and The Burger Bible is your one-stop guide to all things patty and bun, from esteemed restaurant critic and food writer Maggie Hennessy (Time Out Chicago, the New York Times, Bon Appetit).

Packed with meaty content, including:

- Profiles of the 80 top burgers in the world right now, from food trucks to high-end cuisine
- Recipes to create your own perfect burger at home
- The Burgerpedia - breaking down the must-know lingo and ingredients
- The complete guide to burger culture

And much more beyond. Featuring hundreds of photographs of burgers and restaurants as well as bespoke illustrations and Hennessy's expert text throughout, this is the complete handbook on the humble hamburger.

Your Field Guide to Foraging for Wild Edibles: What, Where, and When to Look

Foraging for food is an engaging and beneficial pastime that anyone can enjoy. It inspires connections to the land and can help to improve your health. Plus, many target plants for foragers are non-native, so the activity can support—if not improve—biological diversity and ecological well-being. Foraging Southern California introduces you to plentiful and delicious foods, from berries and fruits to roots, seeds, and even tasty aquatic options, like kelp and crayfish.

Expert forager Douglas Kent shares his decades of experience in this handy guide that’s perfect for beginners and intermediates. Learn what to look for, as well as when and where to look. Key identification features, written instructions, and full-color photographs help you to comfortably and confidently know that you’re harvesting the right species. A compare section provides information on dangerous look-alikes, helping to ensure your foraging success and personal health. The “Top 10 Edibles” section provides a starting point for beginners, and species throughout the book are organized by harvestable quality, which quickly leads to the relevant information for your own foraging needs.

Foraging must be done with knowledge and consideration. Foraging Southern California provides information that can benefit you and the environment. Grab the book, get outside, and enjoy nature’s bounty.

Discover the North Shore you haven’t seen.

Highway 61, from Duluth, Minnesota, to the Canadian border, is peppered with tourist hotspots that Minnesotans love. But even the most devout North Shore traveler doesn’t know Lake Superior like William and Kathryn Mayo do. These explorers and residents of the region outline the best sites that you may not know about in this revised and updated edition of the popular guide to the best sites and experiences along one of the state’s most scenic roads. The entertaining book spotlights 61 of the North Shore’s hidden treasures and tourist favorites, offering complete site details and need-to-know information, such as driving directions, accessibility, and fun facts. Full-color photographs and maps further enhance the usefulness of this handy guidebook, so get 61 Gems on Highway 61 for your next North Shore adventure. With this book in hand, you’ll experience the beautiful region in a whole new way.

Discover the Faces and Places of South Dakota

The Black Hills Family Fun Guide is your key to the perfect family getaway. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, this full-color guidebook leads you on a modern-day adventure through the best that South Dakota has to offer. From hiking and horseback riding to museums and theaters, author Kindra Gordon’s tips and trivia help you to make the most out of every experience. The easy-to-read guide features more than 150 family-friendly attractions and is arranged by such themes as Dinosaurs Galore, Meaningful Museums, and Puttin’ on a Show. Neat-to-know facts introduce the people, places, and history, while maps help you find South Dakota’s hidden treasures. Discover the faces and places of South Dakota. Blaze new trails and share experiences that you’ll cherish forever.

Journey into history with a look at 28 tall ships—large, traditionally rigged sailing vessels—that traverse the Great Lakes and beyond.

Seeing a tall ship under full sail is an unforgettable experience. It’s like a trip back in time! From full-rigged ships that look like the pirate vessels of old to replicas of the sleek Baltimore schooners that helped win the War of 1812, tall ships still ply the waters of the Great Lakes. Each one carries its own incredible tales.

Tall Ships presents 28 vessels in an amazing full-color book. Beautiful photographs of the ships—inside and out—are supplemented by details about their size, armament, construction history, and previous owners, not to mention amazing stories about famous voyages, accidents, and storms.

Inside you’ll find

• Information about 28 ships, such as the Brig Niagara, the Pride of Baltimore II, and the S/V Denis Sullivan, with an emphasis on those that have visited previous Tall Ship Festivals
• Sensational stories of the ships’ most famous voyages, including their encounters with severe storms
• Full-color photos of the majestic ships and their interiors
• Contact information for each vessel, so you can inquire about participating in day sails, tours, or even serving on the crew

This book by Kaitlin Morrison makes a wonderful gift or souvenir. So grab Tall Ships, and set sail for adventure!

The Mediterranean region has some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, encompassing soaring mountain ranges, wide forests, deep valleys, and rugged coastlines. From Spain to Jordan, via Italy, Greece, and more, the Mediterranean is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. In Wanderlust Mediterranean long-distance adventurer Cam Honan takes us on a journey through the most breathtaking hiking routes in Southern Europe and beyond, taking in France, Portugal, the Balkans, Morocco, and other countries along the Mediterranean Sea. The book comprises more than 25 featured hikes, including such spectacular trails as the Caminito del Rey, the Peaks of the Balkans, and the Selvaggio Blu trail. In addition to this there’s another dozen bonus hikes, plus maps, stunning photography, expert commentary, and countless tips for beginners and experts alike.

Amsterdam: a city that surprises first-time travellers and longtime visitors alike.

At first glance, horseshoe-shaped Amsterdam is a breeze to circumnavigate and its offerings seemingly obvious. But look closely and you'll find hidden pockets in the maze of canals and burgeoning neighbourhoods that are a quick pedal from the city centre. This archetype of liberalism and diversity is forever reinventing itself.

The Monocle Travel Guide to Amsterdam is an ode to this vibrant European metropolis, featuring all (well, as many as we could fit in) of our favourite haunts. We'll lead you through the cobbled streets to the best independent retailers, recommend restaurants that cater for every craving and spotlight the cosiest bruine cafés for a beer or two. We'll take you on a tour of the Dutch masters, as well as the works of subsequent generations of artists, and steer you towards a fetching mix of classical and contemporary architecture inhabiting the waterside landscape.

Long-distance trekking, short day trips out of town, an extended weekend escapade; the first series installment of our bestselling Wanderlust has it all.

Experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those lacing-up their boots for their first time: prepare to hike the diverse American landscape. Whether aiming to conquer epic expeditions, or simply complete a day hike to recharge, paths of every size await the intrepid wayfarer in Wanderlust USA, a book that serves as a blueprint for adventurous souls in search of new summits.

Stunning photography and insightful tips from veteran long-distance hiker Cam Honan bring many bucolic treks to life, including the unmissable California ancient redwoods and misty waterfalls of Yosemite Park, as well as Utah's dramatic canyons, and the Atlantic cliffs of Maine.

From paragliding part of the migration route of the Monarch butterfly, to sailing some of the remotest areas of the South Pacific to ski mountaineering in Tajikistan, Voyages takes you around the world in the company of intrepid souls seeking big vistas far off the beaten track. Whether mountain biking, skiing, surfing, or riding on horse-back, the stories collected here inspire with their scale and ambition, their passion and ingenuity.

Featuring stunning photography and immersive accounts of challenging and life-changing journeys across deserts, snowscapes, mountains, and seas, Voyages invites the reader to seek out the undiscovered and see the world anew.

They say that what matters is the journey and not the destination, and that couldn’t be more accurate when one goes bikepacking. 

Choosing the path less travelled, exploring the surroundings at every pedal of the way, and embracing the freedom it offers: long-distance cycling is more than a method of transportation – it’s a vibrant travelling philosophy. Bicycle Getaways is the ultimate publication to discover the adventurous spirit of bikepacking. 

Exploring journeys in different regions around the world, introducing the people and culture around it, and giving you the lowdown of all the tips and tricks, this book presents the insights and inspiration to plan your own expeditions, no matter how experienced (or not) you are. Pack your bag and prep your bike, the journey awaits!

From breathtaking nature to timeless culture, explore the hiking trails and the wonders of the British Isles.

The British and Irish Isles are a paradise for hikers. They provide a unique blend of breathtaking nature, fascinating local history, and timeless culture. Stunning photography showcases the diverse natural landscapes and rich national history of the region. The book offers maps, valuable insights on the trails, the best time to hike them, and regional specialties that will help readers make the most of their adventures.

Whether you're an avid hiker or an armchair traveler, this new addition to the Wanderlust series will take you from the heart of the Scottish Highlands, to the Lake District, Ireland, and onward to the expansive coastline of the English Riviera. In addition to highlighting the natural and historical monuments of the islands, this book celebrates the best hiking trails and details the best of British and Irish culture, providing readers with some unique spots to relax and unwind after a day of exploration. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals, and end your island journey by the fireside, savoring all that these remarkable islands have to offer.

A tour of Miami’s outposts of good food, design, retail, and more, this definitive travel guide will make you feel like a local no matter where you are from.

Miami has a lot going for it: its shoreline, year-round warm weather, and a diverse population. So don’t just get caught in the bubble of fun but distracting Miami Beach. This guide will help you explore the city’s numerous neighborhoods —from Little Havana and Coral Gables to the Design District —and discover its full potential. Monocle will introduce you to the dynamic arts and culture scene that is surely the most vibrant and exciting in the U.S., the best bars and restaurants —often more laid-back than in other big North American cities —and everything in between.

Monocle’s team shares the knowledge it has acquired from regular pilgrimages down south from its bureaus in Toronto and New York, as well as its contacts and insider knowledge from being regular attendees at Art Basel Miami Beach. This is a guide that shows modern Miami for what it is —and without the tired bikini and sports-car clichés.

From precariously perched monasteries to characterful villages to the earth’s longest non-polar glacial system, Wanderlust Himalaya showcases a varied collection of trails from the world’s highest mountain range. First-hand tips, informative maps, and an array of spectacular photography provide orientation and inspiration as we shine a spotlight on the Himalayas’ natural wonders, along with the cultural and spiritual elements that help make it such a singular trekking destination. Our latest offering in the Wanderlust series will lift you (along with your backpack and boots) to the top of the mountains. 

The title says it all: one man, one bike, one long ride, the adventure, the pleasure, and the pain. It is simultaneously a travelogue and visual journey. 

Martijn Doolaard traded the convenience of a car and the distractions of daily life for a cross-continental cycling journey: a biped adventure that would take him from Amsterdam to Singapore. Leaving behind repetitive routines, One Year on a Bike indulges in slow travel, the subtlety of a gradually changing landscape, and the lessons learned through traveling. 

Venturing through Eastern European fields of yellow rapeseed to the intimate hosting culture and community in Iran, One Year on a Bike is a vivid chronicle of what can happen when the norm is pointedly replaced by exceptional self-discoveries and beautiful scenery. Doolaard shares the gear and knowledge that made his trip possible alongside the passionate curiosities that served as his impetus.

Get behind the wheel, turn the key, and feel the breeze. Hit the Road features the individuality of overland vehicles, their passionate owners, and the inspiring journeys that celebrate a life on the move.

There's a worldwide movement of people escaping the buzz of cities and diving into nature-packed camping trips and weekends away. Recharged, some head back on Sunday evening; others keep driving for months on end as they visit new countries, experience new cultures, and collect new memories. Hit the Road excites as a collection of overland adventures that put the focus on those who have decided to leave the average life behind--and not just millennials. 

Their rides range from the classic Volkswagen camper to cozy refurbished Airstream trailers and unstoppable fully-equipped 4×4 Adventuremobiles. The journey continues with stunning photography from the deserts of Africa to snow-tipped mountains in Mongolia. Experts share their experiences, their tips and tricks, and their favorite campfire-friendly recipes for life on four wheels. Are you ready to hit the road?

Whichever city you choose – though we recommend all three, of course – you’ll be charmed like a snake on Jemaa El Fna in no time. And to help you sift through the noise, here’s our rundown of the best that Morocco has to offer. Marhaba!

Morocco may be a short hop, skip and a jump across the Med from Europe but it feels like another world. Salesmen flaunting their wares in the souks, robed figures rushing to prayer and ancient palaces decked with dazzling tiles – it’s easy to fall under its spell.

Marrakech, on the cusp of both desert and mountain, offers old-world glamour and an enthralling sense of adventure. Casablanca, lapped by the Atlantic, is a thoroughly modern metropolis with a special affinity for art deco. And at the northernmost tip of the country is the eccentric cliffside city of Tangier, where many a writer and artist have pitched up and sought inspiration over the years.

From the temperate climes of the Spanish islands, over the Nordic fjords, and to the summit of alpine peaks, Wanderlust Europe points the reader in the direction of the continent’s most awe-inspiring routes.

Offering expert knowledge on how best to experience nature’s majesty, this stimulating manual for hikers of all skill levels traverses far-reaching locales in pursuit of breathtaking beauty and a sense of freedom. Combining first-hand tips with informative maps and an array of spectacular photography, this book is a welcome addition to the Wanderlust series and for anyone with an urge to connect with the great outdoors.

Discover magical, remote locations around the world, from Africa to the Arctic, that will help you disconnect from modern life and enter a state of wonder.

Silence. Calm. Open spaces. These are the new luxuries. In this turbulent era it has become ever more crucial to disconnect and slow down. Remote Places to Stay shares 22 out-of-the-way places where you can get off the grid and reconnect to the essentials, surrounded by raw pristine nature.

 Some of these remote places are only accessible by foot, others by train, small boat, or bush plane—but they are all places with a very strong sense of space. From lavish to spare architecture, from the Arctic to the desert landscapes of Africa, from a peaceful retreat in the Himalayas to a secret convent in the south of Italy, each exceptional retreat has been carefully selected to inspire and spark a state of wonder. Exploring the pages of Remote Places to Stay is a visual journey you will never forget.

Most social science studies on automobility have focused on the production, usage, identity construction and aesthetic improvements of personal means of transportation. What happens if we shift the focus to the labour, knowledge and social relations that go into the unavoidable moments of maintenance and repair? Taking motorcycling in Romania as an ethnographic entry point, this book documents how bikers handle the inevitable moments of malfunction and breakdown. Using both mobile and sedentary research methods, the book describes the joys and troubles experienced by amateur mechanics, professional mechanics and untechnical men and women when fixing bikes.