Abstract
IN this book, which has been translated directly from the author's manuscript, M. de la Martinière records the impressions produced upon him during journeys in the kingdom of Fez, and to the Court of Mulai Hassan. He had exceptional opportunities of making himself acquainted with the facts of social life in Morocco; and in a simple, graphic, and clever narrative he describes exactly what he saw, and the inferences that may be reasonably drawn from his observations. Upon the whole, his account of the condition of the people is most unfavourable, and every-one who studies the evidence he brings forward will admit that the regeneration of Morocco, by whomsoever or in whatever way it may be undertaken, will be no easy task. One of the few bright spots in the author's picture is a passage in which he praises what he calls the refined taste of the Arabs of Morocco. This reveals itself in the industrial products of the country, in the decoration of the pavements and ceilings of their houses, and in the skill with which they match colours in dress. They by no means display the same aptitude for science, which is generally regarded, from a religious point of view, as a forbidden subject. On the other hand, alchemy flourishes, and M. de la Martinière says there are many rogues who trade upon the credulity of the public. Some good route-maps and plans illustrate the text, and a preface is contributed by Colonel Trotter.
Morocco.
By H. M. P. de la Martinière. (London: Whittaker and Co., 1889.)
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Our Book Shelf. Nature 40, 202 (1889). https://doi.org/10.1038/040202a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/040202a0