Over Land and Sea: Memoir of an Austrian Rear Admiral's Life in Europe and Africa, 1857-1909

Rating:
Summary: Unknown Explorer
Review: Ludwig von Hoehnel is not a household word, but he was a rather important figure in his own time, being an Austrian admiral and explorer of East Africa. His memoirs appeared, according to the introduction, in German in the 1920s but only now are available in English. It's a long book, and sometimes the admiral drones on a bit about his travels on board ship. But mariners will appreciate those sections, whereas people like me who like exploration will like what he has to say about exploring in Kenya and Ethiopia in the late 19th century. He's also very good in talking about the aged Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria (and King of Hungary) whom he served for four years as aide-de-camp. This book isn't everyone's cup of tea, but the man was a significant figure in his own time and his memoirs give one a window in worlds that are now lost - the Toonerville-Trolley-like Austro-Hungarian navy, the Habsburg court, and African exploration.

Rating:
Summary: Insight into the Austrian Navy and African Exploration
Review: Not knowing much about either the Austrian Navy or African exploration, I was intrigued to learn of this book which provides a good deal of insight into both. Admiral Hoehnel provides in depth commentary on the workings of the Austrian Navy, its interaction with the government, and the regimental traditions that had to be followed. The Admiral covers his progress from his first year in the Naval Academy all the way to Rear Admiral, so the reader can see all aspects of life in the Navy. However, perhaps the more interesting parts of the Memoir are the detailed descriptions of his explorations in Africa, especially the account of the first European discovery of Lake Rudolph (now called Lake Turkana). The stories provide insight into African history, as well as the general methods of exploration. Although Admiral Hoehnel originally wrote the Memoir, credit must be given to the editors who provide extensive annotation explaining many of the Admiral's references, as well as providing a good summary of the historical context in which the events took place. All in all, this is a very good book, and I recommend it highly.