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)

great book.

amazing story about two interesting fellows and an amazing adventure.
after finishing this, I want to read more about both Stanley and Livingston.

Loved it!

Anyone who ever dreamed of discovering a much sought-after land, person or finding Shangri-la will be totally absorbed with the danger, excitement and the ultimate experience of finding the "lost" missionary and explorer David Livingstone. This was an amazing trek into what was the land of mystery and fear of the unknown , tails of the truly missing and the deaths of those who who dared to explore Darkest Africa. Stanley entered as a novice not quite understanding what lay ahead. He left a much wiser and experienced traveler. This book takes you from start to finish of almost unbelievable journey telling tales of canibles, swamps, disease , the Arabs who cornered the slave trade. Dr. Livingstone fleshed out as a truly remarkable human being as was Stanley. I enjoyed listening and felt very much a part of the expedition.

The journey before the meeting

Dougard has done an excellent job of going beyond the mythology of the now famous catch phrase "Dr. Livingstone I presume" to place the meeting in its proper context. From the opening of the book, providing the back story of Nile exploration by Burton and Speke, to the politics of the Royal Geographic Society and the Anglo-American newspaper rivalries, Stanley's search for Livingstone is shown to be more than just a walk through the jungle to find a missing man. Both of the primary characters are fleshed out sufficiently to see that neither was purely hero or saint, making the story both more believable and more interesting. The sheer physical effort it took both men to accomplish their respective journeys is astounding. The horrors of the slave trade and casual racism of the time can be difficult to read about, but is essential to understand the push for empire building in the 19th century. And in our own era of instant communication it is almost incomprehensible to realize the length of time - usually measured in months, perhaps years - for a simple letter to reach England. No wonder Livingstone's whereabouts were in question for so long.

I enjoyed this book for what I learned about the Stanley-Livingstone history and the insights into the global context. I think a little tighter editing of detailed back-stories on largely peripheral characters would have kept things moving along better, but it's a small complaint, and overall I recommend this book for those who are interested in this type of historical adventure.

By Far Among The Best History Reads

This is one of those books that could have gone on another 10 hours and still have been riveting. A pure gem, Into Africa reads like a suspenseful mystery novel, thanks to brilliant research and writing by author Martin Dugard and the masterful reading by narrator John Lee, whose voice and interpretation was perfect for this work. For anyone who knows nothing about these two historically intertwined figures, as I was, this book will be a surprising treat. Not only does Dugard put the reader right alongside the colliding characters of Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone in the depths of Africa, he also paints a vivid picture of the slave trade and colonialism in the mid to late 1800's. This book, and its narration, is a work of art and entertaining from the first page to the last.

Perfect

The story and narration are perfect. The author takes you back in time when the World was still unknown and had mysteries. A must for all history lovers.

An Engaging Account

"Into Africa" is an engaging history, well-researched, well-organized, informative, and entertaining. The narration is high quality, matching the content. Highly recommended!

Amazing story. The hardships they endured.

What an adventure. I think you need to spend time in magical Africa to understand why you would be prepared to endure the down sides of being there. Can't imagine what it must have been like at the time the book is set. I enjoyed the book. Well read. Just about the right length though it covers a huge amount of material.

Exploration Lovers Delight

What did you like best about this story?

I love geographical exploration, especially in this time period and the details were captivating. I have difficulty reading about the mistreatment of animals and/or people, so I appreciated how Duggard handled those few instances and focused on the exploration.

An incredible adventure story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Brilliantly written and narrated, this book truly captures not only the perspective of Dr. Livingston and Henry Morton Stanley, but also the worldwide craze that the expedition generated from New York to Zanzibar. It really takes you along for an unforgettable adventure and you feel like you're right in the jungle with them.

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

I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil anything, but the most memorable aspect of this book is how it brilliantly jumps from place to place, painting a global picture of the situation. One chapter, you're listening about Henry Morton Stanley fighting malaria in the dense jungles of Africa. Next, you're in the British parliament debating on the course of action to be taken, if any at all, while the story rages through the New York and London newspaper headlines. After that, you're back in Africa with Dr. Livingston facing moral dilemmas regarding the Arab slave trade in the various trading outposts scattered about. It is all brilliantly written and brings the story to life.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator is among the best I've heard. John Lee passionately narrates the tale with a charming and eloquent voice. He flawlessly switches between the thick Scottish accent of Dr. Livingston and the deep southern drawl of Henry Morton Stanley (which, as a southerner myself, is quite accurate). He also pronounces the numerous African places and names with ease.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Without spoiling anything, the chapter that details the humble beginnings of Henry Morton Stanley is truly fascinating. A thrilling rags-to-riches tale.

Now I️ know the rest of the story!

This has to be one of best adventure stories of two giants of their time in midsts of two nations turning points ... in both cases: one on the ascend, one on the descent

So worth a listen