EXCELLENT work about the geography of the Nile basin and it's unique features, exploration of the Nile and it's difficulties, indigenous African people, the foundations of colonialism and all the assorted events and characters that make a narrative historical account so fascinating. 
 The writing is not impeccable and the author relies on a few phrases I found downright annoying, but I learned a tremendous amount of information. Also, for the first time in my 12ish month African journey, i was able to concretely relate sections of this work to others I had read. Specifically, Stanley's expedition to 'rescue' Emir Pasha (which I had read of from the perspective of the Congo in "King Leopold's Ghost), and the geography of the Sudd which I recalled from "West with the Night". I confess, I had to go back to the library to re-read the fourish pages of "West with the Night", and I've checked out "King Leopold's Ghost" to review that too! 
 I'm now onto the companion book, "The Blue Nile" hoping for another great book!