Phoenix Book Club: “River of the Gods”

Phoenix Book Club: “River of the Gods”

Monday, October 09, 2023 Phoenix Book Club: “River of the Gods”

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Phoenix Book Club, Phoenixville Public Library’s virtual book discussion group for adults of all ages, will meet next on Zoom on Monday, October 9 at 7:00 PM. The group will discuss Candice Millard’s bestselling book, River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile. For millennia the location of the Nile’s headwaters was shrouded in mystery. Pharaonic and roman attempts were stymied by a labyrinthine swamp; subsequent expeditions weren’t successful. The translation of the Rosetta Stone in the 19th century sparked a wave of exploration. Britain sent two men–Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke–to finally claim the “prize.” Rivals in all aspects, the two men clashed but proceeded. Two years in Burton became too ill to go on, but Speke did, claiming he’d found the source in a great lake he christened Lake Victoria. Disputes followed, as did Speke’s suicide. But their guide, Sidi Mubarak Bombay, had his own story. Copies of the book and audiobook may be reserved at https://chesp.na.iiivega.com. eBook and eAudiobook copies may be reserved at https://chester.overdrive.com. The public is invited to attend. If you are not already on the Book Club’s email list, registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/river-of-the-gods or by calling 610-933-3013 x132 to receive the Zoom invitation. Email mpinto@ccls.org for more information.