A Description Of The Coasts Of East Africa And Malabar In The Beginning Of The Sixteenth Century

This work is that of no ordinary capacity; it shows great power of observation, and also the possession by the writer of great opportunities for inquiry into the manners and habits of the different countries described. This is not really a book of travels, but rather an itinerary of descriptions of countries. It gives ample details of the trade supplies and water of the various sea ports mentioned in it. It contains many historical details such as the account of Diu, the taking of Hormuz, the founding of the Indian ships date this narrative to the year 1514. This narrative also shows that most of the towns on the coasts of Africa, Arabia, and Persia were in a much more flourishing condition at that time. The description of the early introduction of the cultivation and weaving of cotton into South Africa by the Arab traders will be read with interest. This book was translated from Spanish by H.E.J. Stanley, and was first published in 1866.