Witch-Doctors

by Charles Beadle

Overview

Excerpt: In a bayou in the south-eastern corner of the Victoria Nyanza was the station of Ingonya, a brown scab on the face of the green earth. The round mud huts of the askaris were like two columns of khaki troops marching rigidly on each side of the parade ground. To the north, upon a slight rise of ground, were the white men's quarters; the non-commissioned officers had four bungalows to the south of the orderly room and Court House; and beyond a green plot flanked by a store house and an ordnance building, was a bigger bungalow, florid in the amplitude and colour of the red pillared verandah, the residence of the Kommandant, Herr Ober-Lieutenant Hermann von Schnitzler und zu Pfeiffer. On the northern side, overlooking the swamp and the distant lake, was a flagpole, before which paced an ebon sentry in a uniform of white knickers, tunic and lancer cap, red faced. The glow of sunrise stained the green of the moon with crimson. A trumpet blared. From the rear of the Residence marched with stiff-legged precision a squad of askaris and the stocky figure of a non-commissioned officer in a white helmet. Simultaneously appeared on the verandah of the large bungalow the tall form of a white man in pink silk pyjamas. The sergeant barked. The squad presented arms. A coloured ball slid up the flagpole.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783958649675
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	10/24/2017
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	268
File size:	608 KB

About the Author

Charles Beadle, an enigmatic figure in early 20th-century literature, carved a niche for himself with his vivid portrayals of African landscapes and indigenous cultures. Born in 1881 in England, Beadle's life was a tapestry of adventure and exploration, which deeply influenced his writing. His works often drew from his extensive travels across Africa, where he immersed himself in local customs and traditions, providing readers with an authentic glimpse into a world that was largely unknown to the Western audience of his time.Beadle's literary contributions are marked by a keen ethnographic eye and a profound respect for the cultures he depicted, setting him apart from many contemporaries who often resorted to exoticism and stereotypes. His narratives were not just stories but a bridge between worlds, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of African societies.Despite his significant contributions, Beadle's works were not without controversy. His unflinching portrayal of colonialism and its impacts sparked debates, challenging the romanticized views of empire prevalent in his era. This bold stance earned him both acclaim and criticism, positioning him as a progressive voice in a time of rigid colonial attitudes.Beadle's influence extended to contemporary writers who admired his ability to blend adventure with cultural commentary. His revolutionary ideas about cultural respect and authenticity continue to resonate, making him a figure of enduring relevance. Charles Beadle remains a fascinating study for modern readers, not just for his adventurous spirit but for his pioneering role in literary ethnography and his courageous critique of colonialism.
Charles Beadle (October 27, 1881 – 1944) was a novelist and pulp fiction writer, best known for his adventure stories in American pulp magazines, and for his novels of the bohemian life in Paris. He was born at sea. His father, Henry Beadle, was a ship captain, and traveled with his wife Isabelle. Charles grew up in Hackney, in greater London, attending boarding schools. He left home as a teenager and traveled. He served in the British South Africa Police in Southern Rhodesia, doing duty in the Boer War. After the war he traveled up East Africa. He was in Morocco from 1908–12, and began his writing career. (Wikipedia)