THE MAGIC GATE OF THE SAHARA By Angelo Piccioli T h e
Magic . • i Gate of the Sahara (Methuen, 12s. 6d.) is a series of little connected jottings collected, during an extended tour of Tripoli. It is somewhat outside the usual run travel books • since Dr. Piccioli deScribes neither the people nor the scenery_ Of Tripoli, but rather the effect of both on himself. He does, however, manage in some curious way to catch something of the stagnant spirit of Arab-Aftican civilization, countries where Western culture is too heavily super-imposed on the indigenous for the latter to survive as a living force. In truth, the Arab—outside Arabia at any rate—has -been repeating stereotyped forms both in 114 art and in his mode of life for ten centuries. Now, the for:" is no longer practical, arid is not suited to the 'Country or the man. The somewhat florid style is not helped by titd translation ; but the numerous illustrations are excellent.
Previous page
