James Bruce

About

A Scottish travel writer, he spent time in Ethiopia and North Africa. His most famous work is Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile (1790).

Before Fame

He attended Edinburgh University, intending to become a lawyer. Eventually, however, he became a wine merchant. In 1754, he began his legendary travels.

Trivia

He spent more than twelve years in Africa.

Family Life

He was raised in Kinnaird, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Less than a year after his 1754 marriage, his wife died.

Associated With

He was a leading 18th-century Scottish explorer, much like Thomas Mitchell , who explored Southeast Australia.