(Seychelles News Agency) - A new book has been written by a Seychellois that chronicles sea voyages in the Indian Ocean.

Written by well-known historian Julien Durup, ‘Seafaring Adventures and Conflicts in the Indian Ocean 3500BCE-1811CE’ will be of use to anyone learning about the history of the country.

In introducing his book Durup mentioned that “there is a lack of books on seafaring in the Indian Ocean.” Durup hopes to add to the library of books that will help researches, teachers and students on the topic. 

The book was officially launched at the Giraffe bookstore on Eden Island on December 10. During the ceremony, the principal secretary for culture, Cecile Kalebi, said that the book will be a valuable tool for future generations.

She added that it provides a glimpse into the past and hence should be integrated into history lessons taught about Seychelles.

‘Seafaring Adventures and Conflicts in the Indian Ocean 3500BCE-1811CE’ can be purchased in Victoria at Antigone, Chanterelle, the international airport or Giraffe bookstore Eden Plaza for $18.3 (SCR250).

The new book was officially launched at the Giraffe bookstore on Eden Island on December 10. (Thomas Meriton) Photo License: CC-BY

The book chronicles the main ethnicities that travelled to the Indian Ocean. Chapter one talks about the overall geographical and historical background of the early Indian Ocean and the second chapter covers the travels made.

Talking about the chosen timeframe documented in the book, Durup said that his interest was sparked after reading the Bible, given to him as a gift by a close friend.

“We have used the convention of BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era.) They correspond to the same dates as BC and AD but without alluding to the birth or death of an alleged Christ,” Durup wrote in the introduction of the book.

Durup’s love for books started at a young age. His first place of employment was at the government printing office as a bookbinder in 1962. Ten years later Durup undertook his studies in bookbinding and print finishing at the London College of Printing.

It took Durup about five years to complete the book and he said that he takes this length of time as he conducts researches on other topics as he writes a particular book. 

The publication of the new book comes two years after "The Seychelles Islands and its First Landowners" also written by Durup in which he traced the history of the archipelago from 1786 to1833.