Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE
On 2 November 1930 Tafari was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie. The extravagant spec-
tacle was attended by representatives from across the globe and proved a terrific public-re-
lations exercise. It even led indirectly to the establishment of a new faith, Rastafarianism (
Click here
)
.
The following year, Ethiopia's first written constitution was introduced. It granted the
emperor virtually absolute power. The two-house parliament consisted of a senate, which
was nominated by the emperor from among his nobles; and a chamber of deputies, which
was elected from the landholders. It was thus little more than a chamber for self-interested
debate.
Ever since the day of his regency, the emperor had been bringing the country under cent-
ralised rule. For the first time, the Ethiopian state was unambiguously unified.
THE BEST ETHIOPIAN BOOKS
With a country as endlessly fascinating as Ethiopia it's little surprise that a small library of books has been written
documenting Ethiopia's wonders. The following are our favourites:
»
The Chains of Heaven,
by Philip Marsden. If you're going to read one book on
Ethiopia make it this one. The author walks across the north Ethiopian plateau and in
the process reveals much about Ethiopian culture and history.
»
Sheba: Through the Desert in Search of the Legendry Queen,
by Nicholas Clapp.
Successfully blending personal travel accounts through Ethiopia, Yemen and else-
where with thorough academic research to shed light on one of history's most famous
characters.
»
Eating the Flowers of Paradise,
by Kevin Rushby. The author travels the old trade
route from Ethiopia to Yemen. Chewing
chat
leaves with everyone he meets, Rushby
reveals much about the culture surrounding this drug.
»
The Prester Quest,
by Nicholas Jubber. An entertaining voyage from Venice to
Ethiopia tracing the story behind Prester John.
»
The Sign and the Seal,
by Graham Hancock. Hancock attempts to solve the mystery
of the 'disappearance' of the Ark of the Covenant. Though his research and conclu-
sions raised an eyebrow or two among historians, this detective story is very readable
- however tenuous the facts may be!
