In early-20th-century Morocco, the situation was an anomalous one – fluidity in the desert. France had steadily increased its power and influence in a nation that had long resisted the encroachment of Western powers, and Morocco’s location on the south side of the Straits of Gibraltar had made the c

Edith Wharton travels to Morocco--a place without a published travel guide--in 1917. She describes her travels, providing background for sites visited and adding colorful bits of Moroccan life. She mentions remarks by guides at several sites. At the close of the book she provides a brief history of

I have been interested in this part of the world for some time...I have always been something of a romantic, devouring the works of Paul Bowles ,long time resident of Morocco.. and following the adventures of intrepid female travellers; Gertrude Bell, Isabelle Eberhardt, Freya Stark. so I was thorou

Some fascinating vignettes, especially her harem visits. Also interesting to see the colonial mindset of the period being reflected in real time, as it were. For each interesting detail, there is a political or racial view that will make the modern reader cringe. (Or I should say this modern reader

Before I say anything else: yes, it's hopelessly dated, plagued by colonialist trope, and and very much 'of its time.'

That having been said, I gave this five stars because:

1. When I myself am writing, I find myself tending toward opinion first rather than just describing what is there. So art school