Author
David Livingstone
1813-1873
David Livingstone (1813-1873) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by David Livingstone
Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa
"Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa" by David Livingstone is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The narrative chronicles the author's extensive journeys and experiences in Africa, detailing both his missionary work and his exploration efforts as he seeks to meet the material and spiritual needs of the indigenous peoples. Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and medical doctor, brings a unique perspective, blending insights from his medical training with his faith-driven mission to improve the lives of the African communities he encounters. At the start of the book, Livingstone provides a personal introduction, detailing his origins, education, and motivations for traveling to Africa. He reflects on his upbringing in Scotland, his early years as a cotton-spinner, and his academic pursuits in medicine and theology, leading to his eventual embarkation for Africa in 1840. He recounts the challenges he faced upon arriving in the Bakwain country, where he aimed to establish a mission station while gaining fluency in the local language. The opening section sets the stage for Livingstone’s interactions with notable figures such as Chief Sechele, illustrating the complexity of cultural exchange and the difficulties of introducing Christianity to a people with deep-rooted beliefs and traditions. Through vivid descriptions of his encounters with local tribes, wildlife, and the harsh realities of the environment, Livingstone not only presents a travelogue but also offers reflections on faith, identity, and the human condition amidst adversity.
A Popular Account of Dr. Livingstone's Expedition to the Zambesi and Its Tributaries And of the Discovery of Lakes Shirwa and Nyassa, 1858-1864
"A Popular Account of Dr. Livingstone's Expedition to the Zambesi and Its Tributaries" by David Livingstone is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book details Livingstone's expedition to uncharted territories in Africa, focusing on the exploration of the Zambesi River and its tributaries, as well as the impact of European expansion on local societies, particularly concerning the slave trade. The opening of the text sets the stage for Livingstone’s ambitious journey, laying out the purpose of the expedition, which includes the discovery of lakes Shirwa and Nyassa, and the awareness of the brutal realities of the slave trade. We are introduced to the key figures involved in the expedition, the logistical preparations made for exploring the Zambesi River, and the underlying humanitarian goals that drive Livingstone's mission. The initial chapters also describe the landscape and biodiversity they encountered as well as the conflict arising from the Portuguese slave trade, foreshadowing the challenges Livingstone and his companions would face on their journey.
The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa, from 1865 to His Death, Volume I (of 2), 1866-1868
"The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa, from 1865 to His Death" by Horace Waller is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work compiles the journals of explorer David Livingstone, detailing his final years in Africa, particularly his attempts to discover the source of the Nile and to combat the slave trade. The book not only presents Livingstone's geographical and scientific observations but also reflects on his personal struggles, beliefs, and the local cultures he encounters during his travels. The opening of this historical account establishes the profound impact of Livingstone's death on the exploration community and highlights the significance of the journals that survived, thanks largely to his loyal native attendants, Chuma and Susi. Readers are introduced to the initial stages of Livingstone’s journey as he arrives in Zanzibar, detailing the reception he receives from the Sultan and the challenges he faces, including difficulties with local transportation, the harsh environment, and the specter of the slave trade. The narrative sets a tone of both adventure and solemnity as it hints at the toll that exploration takes on Livingstone's physical and mental well-being, while also illuminating the complex tapestry of African cultures he interacts with.
The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa, from 1865 to His Death, Volume II (of 2), 1869-1873 Continued By A Narrative Of His Last Moments And Sufferings, Obtained From His Faithful Servants Chuma And Susi
"The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa, from 1865 to His Death" by Horace Waller is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work compiles the final journals of the renowned explorer and missionary David Livingstone during his last years in Africa, detailing his explorations and experiences until his death. The narrative chronicles Livingstone's struggles with health, encounters with various tribes, and the impact of Arab slave traders in the region he sought to explore. At the start of the book, Livingstone reflects on the challenges he faced at the beginning of 1869, including a dangerous illness that left him weak and nearly helpless. He recounts the kindness he received from local Arabs as he traveled towards Lake Tanganyika, where he eventually hoped to procure supplies and recover his strength. Despite his health struggles and the plundering by traders, Livingstone remains determined to continue his explorations, ultimately contemplating a journey into the territory of the Manyuema people, highlighting both the beauty of the land and the ongoing conflicts exacerbated by the slave trade.