Publisher's Synopsis
This exceptional biography of Dr. David Livingstone was written by one of the era's foremost authors, who investigates the impact which Livingstone had on Africa and the wider world from a Christian perspective.
As a leading theologian and author of his time, William Garden Blaikie seeks to determine how widely David Livingstone influenced Africa and the wider world. Although Livingstone's work in the continent was multi-faceted, spanning the scientific, social and religious, this biography is primarily concerned with his the spiritual element of his adventures through uncharted lands.
Interspersing his narrative with quotes from Livingstone's own diaries, Blaikie opens our eyes both to the accomplishments and attitude of his subject. We discover how David Livingstone achieved his goals by adopting an honest, if unconventional attitude; often he was the sole white person in the presence of African tribes, yet won trust and respect. When things went wrong, Livingstone did not shy from taking the blame, stating: "I would rather perish than blame another for my misdeeds and deficiencies."
Although the biographer's perspective is religious - for instance, he describes the meeting of Henry Stanley and Livingstone as an unlikely occurrence guided by an unseen hand - there is no doubt that this biography benefits from superb research. We discover how Livingstone's amiable personality affected greatly his abilities to explore; although many natives were suspicious or skeptical of him, he was able to win them over with a combination of charm and demonstrated courage.
By the mid-1860s Dr. Livingstone had over two decades experience of Africa, and commanded much respect among the peoples for his education and compassion. He was an intelligent man, noted for his diplomatic abilities which served to calm tensions and suspicions among local chieftains and warlords. His mission was fourfold: to end slavery, to introduce Christianity, to encourage commerce, and to study the geography and layout of inland Africa.
The conclusion of this work contains a close day-by-day analysis the great explorer's final months and death from malaria and dysentery. The reader will emerge confident that David Livingstone's accomplishments were mostly true and not the product of sensational coverage.
