Mountains of Rasselas: Ethiopian Adventure Book

Thomas Pakenham's life-long obsession with Ethiopia's three principal ambas (thumb-shaped peaks) is the basis for The Mountains of Rasselas, a thrilling spin through a thousand years of mid-Eastern history. With large colour photographs and narrative text, the author explores the highs and lows of this fascinating region: remnants of the Queen of Sheba's sprawling empire (including the tallest monolithic stone ever erected in the ancient world), cathedral and palace ruins, frescoes, imperial crowns, and breathtaking shots of untrammelled vistas. At the forefront of his list of cherished spots is Mount Wehni, a tall, slender chunk of rock where Abyssinian King Facilidas, in a flash of brilliance, banished hundreds of rowdy, throne-hungry princes. Clearly tickled by this historic titbit, Pakenham details their legendary exile--their provisions, their hardships, their thwarted attempts at escape--and most intriguing of all and testament to the spellbinding charm and beauty of the region: when King Joshua, grandson of Facilidas, finally offered them freedom, the princes voted to remain right where they were.Read More