Tafilet : $b the narrative of a journey of exploration in the Atlas mountains and the oases of the north-west Sahara

"Tafilet: The Narrative of a Journey of Exploration in the Atlas Mountains and the Oases of the North-West Sahara" by Walter B. Harris is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This travel narrative chronicles the author's extensive journey through the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, providing insights into the geography, culture, and people encountered along the way. It offers an exploration of Morocco's diverse landscapes as well as the author's interactions with different tribes and local customs. The opening portion sets the stage for Harris's expedition, detailing his motivation and preparations before embarking on the journey in 1893. It begins with a reference to the political climate in Morocco at the time, particularly the Sultan's own expedition southward, which allows Harris to set and pursue his own course. As he departs from Tangier traveling toward Saffi, he illustrates the landscape and challenges of the region, while also introducing his traveling companions and establishing the conditions of their trek toward Tafilet. Through vivid descriptions, the narrative hints at the forthcoming adventures and the various cultural encounters that await them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Walter Burton Harris was a journalist, writer, traveller and socialite who achieved fame for his writings on Morocco, where he worked for many years as special correspondent for The Times. He settled in the country at the age of 19, eventually building himself a fine villa in Tangier where he lived for much of his life. His linguistic skills and physical appearance enabled him to pose successfully as a native Moroccan, travelling to parts of the country regarded as off-limits to foreigners. He wrote a number of well-regarded books and articles on his travels in Morocco and other countries in the Near and Far East. Harris also played a significant, though not always constructive, role in the European diplomatic intrigues that affected Morocco around the turn of the 20th century.