Into Africa

The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone

De: Martin Dugard

Narrado por: John Lee

With the utterance of a single line—“Doctor Livingstone, I presume?”—a remote meeting in the heart of Africa was transformed into one of the most famous encounters in exploration history. But the true story behind Dr. David Livingstone and journalist Henry Morton Stanley is one that has escaped telling. Into Africa is an extraordinarily researched account of a thrilling adventure—defined by alarming foolishness, intense courage, and raw human achievement.

In the mid-1860s, exploration had reached a plateau. The seas and continents had been mapped, the globe circumnavigated. Yet one vexing puzzle remained unsolved: what was the source of the mighty Nile river? Aiming to settle the mystery once and for all, Great Britain called upon its legendary explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, who had spent years in Africa as a missionary. In March 1866, Livingstone steered a massive expedition into the heart of Africa. In his path lay nearly impenetrable, uncharted terrain, hostile cannibals, and deadly predators. Within weeks, the explorer had vanished without a trace. Years passed with no word.

While debate raged in England over whether Livingstone could be found—or rescued—from a place as daunting as Africa, James Gordon Bennett, Jr., the brash American newspaper tycoon, hatched a plan to capitalize on the world’s fascination with the missing legend. He would send a young journalist, Henry Morton Stanley, into Africa to search for Livingstone. A drifter with great ambition, but little success to show for it, Stanley undertook his assignment with gusto, filing reports that would one day captivate readers and dominate the front page of the New York Herald.

Tracing the amazing journeys of Livingstone and Stanley in alternating chapters, author Martin Dugard captures with breathtaking immediacy the perils and challenges these men faced. Woven into the narrative, Dugard tells an equally compelling story of the remarkable transformation that occurred over the course of nine years, as Stanley rose in power and prominence and Livingstone found himself alone and in mortal danger. The first book to draw on modern research and to explore the combination of adventure, politics, and larger-than-life personalities involved, Into Africa is a riveting read..©2003 Martin Dugard; (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“An action-packed recounting of one of the most famous incidents in the history of exploration. Until well into the 19th century, European geography textbooks portrayed central Africa as a vast, uncharted wasteland, almost certainly a graveyard for any outsider unwise enough to enter it. . . . In the late 1860s, [David] Livingstone and a large entourage disappeared somewhere between Zanzibar and Lake Tanganyika while poking around for the source of the Nile. Enter New York Herald correspondent Henry Morton Stanley. . . . Braving disease, difficult terrain, and all manner of deprivation, Stanley for three years [followed] Livingstone’s trail, despairing of ever finding the senior explorer. . . . Fine entertainment for adventure buffs, solidly researched and fluently told.”

—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Wow!

this book was a phenomenal listen! It is, first of all, very well written. The story isn't just that of Livingston: it is the story of Livingston, all he embodies, and all those whose life he touched whether directly a friend of his, or inspired by his life's work.

if you're expecting this to be a straight Livingston biography, you will be surprised because the book equally focuses on Livingston and Stanley, The New York Herald journalist who traipsed through Africa to find the missing explorer. Both men are equally interesting, as are the peripheral characters who both fund their exploitives and either aid or harang the heroes.

Far from boring, this book reads like a travel narrative. It is filled with interesting perspectives on African culture from the perspective of Livingston, Stanley, and others. Exciting stories of lions, crocodiles, political intrigue with African chieftains, Arab slaver traders and all the good and bad they had to offer... and that only covers the African stories. Stanley's backstory and personal journey are equally interesting as the missing great explorer.

What I enjoyed best was the way the author has taken very complicated men, and using quotes from their own writings, is able to delve into their mindsets, motives, and emotions. There is no simplifying, they are men who are clearly at odds with themselves as they seek greatness through hard work, perseverance, and redemption.

Much to think about

This is the rousing adventure tale that it purports to be; made all the more fascinating because it is a (mostly!) accurate depiction of historical events. If you are hoping to be "transported" to another place and time, the book delivers. Perhaps of even greater interest is the flawed humanity of the two main characters, Stanley & Livingstone. Their stories offer many layers of lessons and warnings about good intentions, unintended consequences and the baffling mix of good and evil that features so prominently in the human condition, leaving the reader with much to think about. Congratulations to author Martin Dugard!

great performance

great preformance, good writing, very informative. The author appears to make an effort to be unbiased with the curious exception that he appears to be... a little...anti- Livingstone. Assuridly the man had flaws, but I'm not sure one can morally condemn him for accepting the kindness of strangers- even slavers, rather than turning around....and..walking back into the starvation wilderness....? one could imagine that if this author made cause against oil, he would decline to take the interstate, skip the roadside ditch (made with fuel using machinery) and simply walk cross country from any point A to point B.

good stuff

great book - highly recommend -- loved the narrator though I think he could have toned down the voice he gave Stanley. Definitely pick it up.

STUNNING!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Into Africa?

There are too many "most" moments and I don't want to give anything away. If Africa and its history is interesting, this true story will hook you to listen to all 18 chapters.

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

John Lee is my favorite. I was delighted to discover he was the narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, although I rarely sit when I listen. I usually do chores and housework while I listen

Any additional comments?

This book would make an incredible movie...The true story of Stanley and Livingston. There was a point where the realities of the customs was difficult to know. I listened to it 3 times...house is REALLY clean :)

EPIC! An amazing TRUE story

an extremely well written and well performed book. It hit all the marks I hoped it would.

Gripping history

Great stuff and makes history come alive. Really makes you appreciate the courage of these adventurers. Sickness, death, difficulty greeted them every step of the way, but they triumphed through sheer force of will. A great companion to Burton's bio.

Fantastic story

This is a wonderful story, beautifully narrated, of the adventures of Stanley and Livingstone. Loved every minute of it.

Incredible story

The story was very interesting and the dedication and determination of Livingston and Stanley in spite of the odds against them was exciting to hear.

It was well written and spoke

I enjoy it all . I am a fan of history woven with a good back story