Current Literature
CAMELS THROUGH LIBYA
By Dugald dainpbell
Mr. Dugald Campbell's latest book has a particular interest at the present time. In Camels Through Libya (Seeley Service, 18s.) he describes a journey . made, in 1931 across Northern Africa from the eastern fringe of the Sahara to the oases of Uppei Egypt. The Libyan desert., through which his path lay, was, until recently, the jealously guarded domain of the fanatical Senuisi, whose summary treatment of infidels pre vented the opening up and development of the country. But since the Italians under General Graziani routed the Arabs, Libya, as an Italian colony, is being rapidly and successfully developed, and the native Berbers—whom Mr. Campbell admires as much as he detests Arabs—given a chance to cul- tivate their country in the security of the Pax Romana. That is how the author puts it, for he is a firm believer in the civilis- ing mission of Europeans, especially Italians, in Africa. • His praise of the Italian administration is unqualified, and cer- tainly his account of the work done to improve communica- tions, foster trade, and raise the general level of health and civilisation is impressive. Unfortunately, the violence of the author's prejudices, and his inability to see any merit at all in Islamic culture, inclines one to believe that he lacks those most essential qualifications of the first-rate observer : an open mind and a sense of historical values. With these reser- vations, his book can be recommended as an always interesting —if at times irritating—account of a country with an im- portant future.
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