Into Africa

The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone

By: Martin Dugard

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

"Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" So goes the signature introduction of New York Herald star journalist Henry Morton Stanley to renowned explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who had been missing for six years in the wilds of Africa. Into Africa ushers us into the meeting of these remarkable men. In 1866, when Livingstone journeyed into the heart of the African continent in search of the Nile's source, the land was rough, unknown to Europeans, and inhabited by man-eating tribes. The man sent to find him was an orphan and a drifter who had great ambition but little success to show for it. The book shows how, over the course of their nine-year relationship, Stanley ironically rose in power and prominence while Livingstone was relegated to isolation and danger in Africa.

©2003 Martin Dugard (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"It is rare when a historical narrative keeps readers up late into the night....But author and adventurer Dugard...makes a suspenseful tale out of journalist Stanley's successful trek through the African interior to find and rescue a stranded Livingstone....This is a well-researched, always engrossing book." (Publishers Weekly)
"Dugard imbues the narrative with a keen sense of urgency that propels this compelling account along." (Booklist)
"An action-packed recounting of one of the most famous incidents in the history of exploration. Fine entertainment for adventure buffs, solidly researched and fluently told." (Kirkus)
"Crisp vivid language...transports the armchair adventurer from the jungle muck to the mountain peak." (Esquire)

A Great Story and Equally Great Narration

I only knew of Martin Dugard as the co-author of the "Killing" books written with Bill O'Reilly, and did not know that Martin Dugard was a highly regarded author in his own right.

When I came across Into Africa I was intrigued by the story and also by the sample narration I listened to. Knowing really nothing of the true story behind the famous quotation; "Dr. Livingstone, I presume ?" I wanted to learn more used a credit for the audiobook.

Into Africa was easily my favorite non-fiction audio book of all I listened to in 2013. Supported by John Lee's wonderful narration this audiobook is equal parts a biography of the explorers Stanley and Livingstone as well as a story of exploration and survival.

Having been to Africa four times on safari I simply can not imagine setting off on a quest that would take me half-way across a vast and dangerous continent completely devoid of roads and with no methods of reliable communication.

Nevertheless, this is exactly what Livingstone did in his bid to locate the source of the river Nile. The story of how Stanley and Livingstone would ultimately meet equals any real life adventure I have ever read. As an audiobook the story of their lives and adventures come to life. I highly recommend it.

A Good Listen.

What made the experience of listening to Into Africa the most enjoyable?

Well John Lee is one of the premier narrators, he could read the phone book and probably make it interesting. In fact, I am not sure I would read the book, but listening to it was gratifying and I enjoyed it.

What other book might you compare Into Africa to and why?

There have been some recently quality books about exploration recently. This book compares to the River of Doubt and The Lost City of Z favorably. it puts the exploration story within the context of colonization and race relations. This story however is not written as a first person account, rather as a researched narrative. I don't think it detracts too much from the story, but first persona accounts are always more compelling.

Which character – as performed by John Lee – was your favorite?

I have heard some reviewers criticize the Scottish accent on Livingston, I thought it was fine. It certainly didn't distract from teh story. I would say Livingston was my favorite, Lee has just the right inflection to make him someone that we admire yet not quite the heroic peson we might have heard of in school.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book helped fill me in on details that I only knew tangentially. I am glad I read it. this is not powerful story, mostly because I found some of the characters distasteful. but that is the history is in reality.

Any additional comments?

Audible has a good collection of exploration books. This book fits nicely into any reading list that concerns itself with world exploration and the subsequent problems it has caused to the present day.

Awesome adventure story!

I was completely enraptured. Martin Dugard's book was very organized and thorough for what was an involved story. The story itself was well laid out. I was transported into the caravans and felt like I was living the story along with the two adventurers.

The oral presentation was spectacular as well!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone!

A fantastic voyage

Told in a mesmerizing tone, "Into Africa" provides the historical context required to grasp what drove Stanley, Livingstone and others to venture into the heart of Africa. The story highlights the character flaws and strengths of not only the explorers but those who they encountered during their wanderings. A thoroughly enjoyable experience for those seeking to understand why they sought glory as well as fascinating cultures they encountered along the way.

Sublime Historical Adventure

If you enjoy answering your curiosity about one of history's most amazing accomplishments, you'll savor this book. To learn about the lives, personalities and especially the hardships that Livingston and Stanley endured in their pursuit of knowledge brings a new meaning to the definition of "adventurer". I will never forget it, and I highly recommend it.

Great dose of history

The details of the exploration and color that the author Included made for a great read. It's a historical book with enough drama to make it a light fun read! I would recommend this to anybody intrested in stories about exploring and the history of Africa.

Fascinating account, incredible story

An in depth and unsentimental account of a great yet human man, the making of his friend and protégée, and others whose lives were touched by these events. I highly, highly recommend.

Excellent!

Loved this audible book! Great history of Stanley & Livingston! Definitely recommend! If you like history give it a try.

A fabulous review of the early African Explorers

Such great story telling. Really peaked an interest in learning more about Burton, Speke, Livingston, Stanley, and Bombay! Wonderful narration too

Wonderful!

‘Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Have heard this forever but never knew the absolutely gripping, interesting backstory. Great but of history so well written it reads like great fiction. Narrator is perfect. Great read. Loved it!