On a whim, I went into Adventure Books in the old Municipal Chambers building. Inside were many tales of derring-do by daring men – and at least one woman: a ‘Lady Pioneer‘.
There seemed to be a lot of snow and ice, but there on the bottom shelf was ‘Darkest Africa’.
Artefacts were on display, such as a ship’s sextant and, in a glass case, a first-aid kit and various mementoes of Shackleton’s expeditions. Even his skis were leaning casually against a wall beside a most persuasive advertisement.
It was a brief visit to another time of Boy’s Own Adventures and of one woman who had a taste for adventure – from the comfort of a sedan chair.
Ironically (or purposely?) two books along from hers is Everest the Hard Way by Chris Bonnington. There could be a lengthy discussion about which achievements, given all the odds, were the most difficult.
Anne-O-tations 