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Much of the world was unexplored in the 19th century and its mysteries
fascinated the Victorians, especially those with a scientific bent. It was not
an age of travel, but it was an age of travellers. From the interior of Africa,
South America and the Far East they brought back plants, animals, birds and
tales of strange people, places and customs. Their stories are recounted by
Peter Raby in Bright Paradise (Chatto & Windus, £20,
ISBN 0 7011 4613 3).