In “Sport in Abyssinia; Or, The Mareb and Tackazzee,” Dermot Robert Wyndham Bourke, the Earl of Mayo, offers a vivid and captivating exploration of the hunting and sporting culture in late 19th-century Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia). Written with a keen eye for detail, Bourke's narrative combines travelogue with adventure, rich with descriptions of the breathtaking landscapes and the diverse fauna encountered along the Mareb and Tackazzee rivers. His literary style is immersive, employing both humor and reflection as he navigates the challenges and exhilarations of sport hunting in a foreign land, whilst subtly critiquing colonial attitudes of his time. The Earl of Mayo, a passionate sportsman and amateur naturalist, drew from his aristocratic privilege and European upbringing to document his experiences in Abyssinia. His aristocracy offered him opportunities for adventure and exploration, which he embraced wholeheartedly, allowing him to revel in both the sport and the cultural exchanges he encountered. His work emerges within the context of Victorian fascination with exploration and imperialism, blending personal narrative with broader themes of cultural encounter. I wholeheartedly recommend “Sport in Abyssinia” for readers interested in the interplay of exploration, colonial perspectives, and natural history. Bourke'Äôs account is not only an enlightening read for enthusiasts of travel literature but also serves as a fascinating historical document that captures a moment in time during the age of exploration.
