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Dr. David Livingstone in Africa 1858 to 1864 - Fascinating tales from the legendary explorer

Dr. David Livingstone in Africa 1858 to 1864

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"When we meet those who care not whether we purchase or let it alone, or who think men ought only to be in a hurry when fleeing from an enemy, our ideas about time being money, and the power of the purse, receives a shock. The state of eager competition, which in England wears out both mind and body, and makes life bitter, is here happily unknown. The cultivated spots are mere dots compared to the broad fields of rich soil which is never either grazed or tilled. Pity that the plenty in store for all, from our Father's bountiful hands, is not enjoyed by more." - David Livingstone

The name David Livingstone is synonymous with African exploration. His accounts of his extensive travels throughout Africa were enormously popular in the 19th century and made him very famous, and the modern reader will remain astounded. This missionary and astute chronicler of a richly diverse world both breathtaking and dangerous recorded an amazing time in history and captured the character of a living landscape. The real world of adventure and wonder that Livingstone related is so vast in scope that it truly proves that fact is more interesting than fiction.

In this journal from Livingstone's travels through the years 1858 to 1864, he explores the Zambezi River and the Lakes Shirwa and Nyassa. Starting on the coast of East Africa , which is controlled by the Portuguese, Livingstone recounts the horrors of the slave trade that terrorizes the region. The Scottish Livingstone abhors slavery as do his fellow members of the British Empire , which by the 19th century had reformed itself of its slaving ways. Slavers are not the only source of suffering for the various tribes of the region. Powerful Zulu warlords often extort tribute from villages and intertribal warfare always threatens numerous peoples.

But the land is not solely the province of violence. Musicians play for the explorers and villagers clog the riverbanks seeking to trade with the explorers. In these encounters, Livingstone's observations reveal interesting cultural differences between the British and the Africans. Trading for the Africans is a highly nuanced activity done for many reasons, and profit is not necessarily the chief among them. It can be a social activity, a source of prestige, and a form of entertainment as opposed to the wholly commercial motivations that define the British form of trade. Despite massive cultural differences, Livingstone consistently speaks of the natives he encounters with compassion and respect. Of course notes of his supercilious missionary nature come through, but he genuinely believes that he is there to enlighten and improve lives instead of oppress. He envisions not so much as changing the people, but expanding their horizons, especially spiritually.

Many layers comprise Livingstone's account that meanders like the Zambezi River through anthropological observations, geographic surveys, botanical studies, political realities, and the day-to-day hardships and triumphs of the explorers. The result is an amazing view of Africa from the 19th century that is as engaging and complete as a Tolkienesque fantasy world. Join a legendary explorer on his journey upriver where native drummers herald his coming. Download this tremendous account by David Livingstone today.

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