Moroccan Chronicle
19th- & 20th-Century Voyages
A book exhibit of Western perspectives on a bygone era
December 2023- January 2024
Embark on a literary journey through this curated collection of rare books and travelogues brought to you by the M6L Archives & Special Collections. These materials reveal the rich history and fascinating stories that paint a vivid picture of 19th and early 20th-century Morocco.
Moroccan Chronicle: 19th- & 20th-Century Voyages
In these chronicles, Western authors take center stage, each offering a unique perspective. A British journalist, stationed in Tangier as the editor for the Times of Morocco, provides insights into the cultural landscape of the region. A devoted physician, accompanying a long-standing friend on a visit to the Sultan, shares encounters that bridge the worlds of medicine and diplomacy. Meanwhile, a bold Victorian woman traverses the country on horseback, whereas an intrepid traveler, donning many identities, defies formidable odds to reach a once-forbidden city. Together, these stories create a vibrant portrayal of Western experiences in Morocco, capturing the essence of a past era.
Cunninghame Graham, R. B., & Garnett, E. (1985). Mogreb-el-Acksa: A journey in Morocco. Marlboro Press.
A travel classic dating to1898, Mogreb-el-Acska: A Journey in Morocco narrates the peregrinations of its author and main character, Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham, in the late 19th century Morocco, known to Muslims at the time as Mogreb-el-Acksa (al-Maghrib al-Aqsa) or the “Far West”. The book details the author’s attempt, disguised in various personas, to reach the forbidden city of Tarudant. What distinguishes Graham in Mogreb-el-Acksa is his departure from the established orientalist discursive structure, a literary form adopted by many of his contemporaries and vastly sought out by Western readership during that period.
The M6L Archives & Special Collections holds a 1985 reprint edition of the work. A fully scanned version of the late-19th century edition, provided by the Digital Library of India, can be found in full here.
Meakin, B. (1905). Life in Morocco and glimpses beyond. Chatto & Windus.
James Edward Budgett Meakin (1866 – 1906) was an English journalist known for his prolific writings on Morocco. Budgett Meakin relocated to Tangier, where he joined his father who established the first English newspaper in the country, known as the Times of Morocco, and began contributing to the newspaper as an assistant editor, leading him to assume the role of editor subsequently. Shortly after arriving, he began documenting his observations and experiences. He embraced the local attire, adopted the Moroccan name Tahar bel Mekki, and familiarized himself with the customs and language. Alongside the hard copy in the M6L Archives and Special Collections, the scanned copy from the University of Toronto can be found online here.
Macnab, F., & Fraser, A. R. (1902). A ride in Morocco among believers and traders. Edward Arnold.
Frances Macnab’s A Ride in Morocco presents a captivating account of her horseback expedition through the country at the turn of the 20th century. Approaching her journey with the curiosity of a tourist, Macnab’s recounts her venture through various regions of Morocco, exploring both its secular and religious aspects. Starting in Tangier, she visited villages, the Riff Mountains, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Safi, and Mogador (modern Essaouira) before returning to England.
The book was featured on the website of Tajine (an early partner of the Ottoman History Podcast) and a fully scanned copy is available on Internet Archive.
Hodgkin, T. (1866). Narrative of a journey to Morocco: In 1863 and 1864. T. C. Newby.
Dr. Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866) gained fame as a prominent pathologist and a pioneer in preventive healthcare. Additionally, he was the first to identify the malignant lymphoma now named after him. Acting as the personal doctor for Sir Moses Montefiore (d.1885) for an extended period, Dr. Hodgkin regularly joined him in various charitable initiatives to aid Jews worldwide. In this captivating travel account, authored by the physician himself, one such instance is recounted, detailing their journey to Morocco to seek assistance from the Sultan in addressing challenges faced by the Jewish community in that region.
The Exhibit
