Bernov, M.A.: Spain, Algeria, and the Sahara

Title

Ispaniia, Alzhir i Sakhara, Sankt-Peterburg 1899

Spain, Algeria, and the Sahara

Keywords

Summary

Mikhail Bernov’s travel notes include the author’s portrait, biography, and fifty-two photographs. The book is divided into two main parts: the first part focuses on Spain, while the second, comprising fourteen chapters, combines travel notes about Algiers and the Sahara desert. Chapters One to Six detail the author’s journey to Oran, Tlemcen, Blida, and several villages, providing insights into the local architecture, population, customs, cuisine, and religion, including quotes and excerpts from the Quran. One can deduce from the text that during his travels, the author’s primary source of income comes from lectures delivered at local geographical and cultural institutions. Chapters Seven to Fourteen recount his visits to numerous cities, such as Algiers, Batna, Biskra, and the desert city of Sidi Okba. Chapter Eleven reflects on his trip to Constantine, where he meets a young boy and takes him on as a servant. In the closing chapter, the author travels from Bon back to France, accompanied by the Algerian servant.

Bio

Mikhail Bernov was a writer, entrepreneur, and traveller, as well as the organiser of the “Franco-Russian Salon” for the promotion of the Russian arts in Paris (1890-1891). Between 1891 and 1894, he travelled across Europe and Africa, delivering lectures in the major cities he visited. In 1896, he published a book detailing his journey on foot from Odessa to Crimea, entitled From Odessa to Crimea on Foot: Letters of a Russian Walker.

Sources

“Biograficheskii ocherk”, in M. Bernov, Iz Odessy peshkom po Krymu, Sankt-Peterburg 1896, p. I-IV;

Istoriia dorevoliutsionnoi Rossii v dnevnikakh i vospominaniiakh, ed. by P. Zaionchkovskii, t. 3, Moskva 1976-1989, p. 71-72.

M.E.

Gallery