ZARAFA A Giraffe's True Story

You'd think a giraffe's life story would hold interest only for the zoologist. But this giraffe is not your basic wild animal, or zoo animal either. In 1826, Zarafa arrived in Marseilles after a two-year journey from the place of her birth in central Africa. Egypt's Ottoman Viceroy, Mohammed Ali, sent her to King Charles X of France to cement diplomatic and cultural relations. Zarafa's story encompasses much of the history of Egypt and Egyptology, as well as the history of France. Alexander Adams presents a competent, scholarly study of this work. His enunciation, including difficult names and places, is flawless, even if his efforts in French carry a strong American accent. His college lecture interpretation is best appreciated in short listening sessions. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 01]