World to World on Rhodesia’s Magic Carpet

World to World on Rhodesia’s Magic Carpet by R. E. Cole Bowen, published in 1974 by Books of Rhodesia, is a captivating travel and historical memoir that traces Bowen’s journeys across Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) by air — the “magic carpet” of the sky. Bowen, an early aviator and chronicler, describes his flights over the vast landscapes of Rhodesia, exploring remote regions, colonial towns, and the natural beauty of the country’s terrain. His prose blends adventure, nostalgia, and reflection, creating a layered narrative of a place in transition.

Throughout the book, Bowen maps his experiences — from takeoffs and landings at makeshift airstrips to aerial views of wildlife, river valleys, and mountain ranges. He offers glimpses of local communities, describes his encounters with both colonial administrators and indigenous populations, and ponders the meaning of air travel in shaping national identity. His memoir also comments on the practicalities of early aviation, including aircraft reliability, navigation challenges, and the thrill of pioneering flights in a developing region.

World to World on Rhodesia’s Magic Carpet is ideal for aviation enthusiasts, African historians, and readers of travel literature. Its 1974 edition captures a remarkable moment in Rhodesia’s aerial history — when flight connected remote places and provided a new perspective on geography and society. Bowen’s work remains a treasured first-person account from an age of discovery and transformation in southern Africa.