Zacharias Taurinius

Taurinius, Zacharias.

Travels in the interior of Africa : from the Cape of Good Hope to Morocco, through Caffraria, the kingdoms of Mataman, Angola, Bahahara, and from thence across the great desart of Sahara, and the northern parts of Barbary, performed during the years 1781 and 1797 / by Christian Frederic Damberger ; translated from the German, and embellished with three coloured plates, and a correct map. London : Printed for the translator ..., 1801.

 This work, which narrates fictitious travels throughout the entire African continent, was wildly popular, appearing in nine editions under three different pseudonyms, the first year it was published. For a short time, the fiction deceived geographers and publishers, and was received as genuine. The event demonstrates the hunger of the European public for any stories about Africa, as well as their readiness to believe fantastical stories.