Gambia By: Frederick John Melville (1882-1940)
Gambia by Frederick John Melville is an insightful and captivating exploration of the tiny West African nation. Through his vivid descriptions and extensive research, Melville paints a comprehensive picture of Gambia's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. One of the standout features of this book is Melville's ability to transport readers to Gambia through his evocative storytelling. The author has a keen eye for detail, providing the readers with a deep understanding of the country's landscape, from the bustling capital of Banjul to the lush banks of the Gambia River. This attention to detail allows readers to truly immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Gambia. However, it is not only the physical aspects of Gambia that Melville delves into. He also explores the country's complex history, ranging from its pre-colonial past to its struggles for independence and beyond. The book sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of Gambia, including its diverse ethnic groups, traditional music and dance, and vibrant art scene. Melville's research is evident throughout, as he weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and interviews to create a comprehensive and engaging narrative. In addition to its historical and cultural insights, Gambia also highlights the pressing issues facing the country today. Melville tackles topics such as poverty, environmental challenges, and political instability with nuance and sensitivity. His willingness to address these difficult subjects adds depth to the book, painting a more complete picture of Gambia and its people. One criticism of the book is that at times, the writing can be overly descriptive, bordering on repetitive. While Melville's attention to detail is commendable, there are instances where the narrative loses momentum as a result. Some readers may find themselves longing for a more concise and focused exploration of Gambia's key themes. Overall, Gambia by Frederick John Melville provides a fascinating and detailed journey into a country often overlooked on the world stage. With its comprehensive historical insights, vibrant cultural descriptions, and thought-provoking analysis of the country's challenges, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Gambia and its people. First Page: GAMBIA BY FRED J. MELVILLE, PRESIDENT OF THE JUNIOR PHILATELIC SOCIETY. MDCCCCIX PUBLISHED BY THE MELVILLE STAMP BOOKS, 47, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. [page 7] INTRODUCTORY NOTE. In collecting the stamps of Gambia one cannot too strongly emphasise the necessity for guarding the stamps of the "Cameo" series against deterioration by the pressure of the leaves in an ordinary unprotected album. In their pristine state with clear and bold embossing these stamps are of exceptional grace and beauty. Sunk mounts or other similar contrivances, and a liberal use of tissue paper, should be utilised by the collector who desires to retain his specimens in their original state. A neat strip of card affixed to each side of the page in an ordinary album will have the effect of keeping the pages above from flattening out the embossing, but tissue paper should be used as an additional safeguard. We have to express thanks to Mr. Douglas Ellis, Vice President of the Junior Philatelic Society, for his notes on the postmarks of which he has made a special study and also for the loan of his entire collection of the stamps of Gambia for reference and illustration; to Mr... Continue reading book >>

Gambia By: Frederick John Melville (1882-1940)

Gambia by Frederick John Melville is an insightful and captivating exploration of the tiny West African nation. Through his vivid descriptions and extensive research, Melville paints a comprehensive picture of Gambia's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.

One of the standout features of this book is Melville's ability to transport readers to Gambia through his evocative storytelling. The author has a keen eye for detail, providing the readers with a deep understanding of the country's landscape, from the bustling capital of Banjul to the lush banks of the Gambia River. This attention to detail allows readers to truly immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Gambia.

However, it is not only the physical aspects of Gambia that Melville delves into. He also explores the country's complex history, ranging from its pre-colonial past to its struggles for independence and beyond. The book sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of Gambia, including its diverse ethnic groups, traditional music and dance, and vibrant art scene. Melville's research is evident throughout, as he weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and interviews to create a comprehensive and engaging narrative.

In addition to its historical and cultural insights, Gambia also highlights the pressing issues facing the country today. Melville tackles topics such as poverty, environmental challenges, and political instability with nuance and sensitivity. His willingness to address these difficult subjects adds depth to the book, painting a more complete picture of Gambia and its people.

One criticism of the book is that at times, the writing can be overly descriptive, bordering on repetitive. While Melville's attention to detail is commendable, there are instances where the narrative loses momentum as a result. Some readers may find themselves longing for a more concise and focused exploration of Gambia's key themes.

Overall, Gambia by Frederick John Melville provides a fascinating and detailed journey into a country often overlooked on the world stage. With its comprehensive historical insights, vibrant cultural descriptions, and thought-provoking analysis of the country's challenges, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Gambia and its people.

First Page:

GAMBIA

BY FRED J. MELVILLE,

PRESIDENT OF THE JUNIOR PHILATELIC SOCIETY.

MDCCCCIX PUBLISHED BY THE MELVILLE STAMP BOOKS, 47, STRAND, LONDON, W.C.

[page 7]

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

In collecting the stamps of Gambia one cannot too strongly emphasise the necessity for guarding the stamps of the "Cameo" series against deterioration by the pressure of the leaves in an ordinary unprotected album. In their pristine state with clear and bold embossing these stamps are of exceptional grace and beauty. Sunk mounts or other similar contrivances, and a liberal use of tissue paper, should be utilised by the collector who desires to retain his specimens in their original state. A neat strip of card affixed to each side of the page in an ordinary album will have the effect of keeping the pages above from flattening out the embossing, but tissue paper should be used as an additional safeguard.

We have to express thanks to Mr. Douglas Ellis, Vice President of the Junior Philatelic Society, for his notes on the postmarks of which he has made a special study and also for the loan of his entire collection of the stamps of Gambia for reference and illustration; to Mr... Continue reading book >>

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Science

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