HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Oct. 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Libraries are full of travel books on Africa, but Malachite Lion, (now available through 1stBooks) by Richard Modlin, is a superb narrative of an unplanned adventure, a modern odyssey that recounts the mysteries and paradoxes of East Africa. Travel writer William Chapman says, "The attention to detail is superb. This book will be a great primer for anyone planning a trip to East Africa."
The book describes a journey through the crowded, bustling streets of Nairobi, into the wilds of Masai, Mara, and Amboseli, to ancient, mystifying Mombasa, electrifying Malindi and the sensuous Seychelles. Richard Modlin's account takes readers through the intimate day-to-day interactions of a solo traveler in a foreign culture. This nonfiction narrative impresses with the benefits of experiential travel in foreign lands and the joy of traveling alone.
Much of Americans' experience with today's East Africa and other lands is limited by what's seen in edited natural history documentaries and sensational news stories. For most readers foreign places are a fantasy. But Richard Modlin's exciting account of his travels through Kenya and the Seychelles vividly depicts reality. Modlin's provocative observations, interactions, experiences, feelings and thoughts will transport the reader far beyond the confines of television broadcast.
Descriptions of his encounters of con men, prostitutes and wildlife are poignant, humorous and heartwarming. Modlin also interjects historical accounts of the places he visited. The Africans say, "...if you leave a footprint in the sand, you will return to Africa." The author left a solid imprint beneath a frangapani tree and his travel narrative will leave a strong imprint upon the reader.
Born in Toledo, Ohio and educated at the Universities of Wisconsin and Connecticut, author Richard Modlin is an emeritus professor of zoology, a Fulbright Research Award recipient, and past director of a university honors program. He has written more than 70 scientific and natural history articles in the scientific literature on subjects of ecology, physiology, taxonomy and chemistry. This is the author's first book. He has traveled extensively around the world, but Africa was his first solo experience. Presently, he lives in north Alabama with is wife and a cat named Bugsy.
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