“We went into the heart of Africa self-invited — therein lies our fault.” Stanley’s Diaries. 

This time I’ve chosen a work of non-fiction to share with you. I first read Tim Jeal’s detailed biography Stanley to learn about historical Africa – the origins of the murderous and brutal European colonial endeavours, their imperial ambitions, and the Arabic and Atlantic slave trades. I found the book to be one of the most riveting reads.

Henry Morten Stanley was a fascinating individual – an ‘illegitimate’ Welsh man born into the deepest poverty, growing up with massive insecurity and grievance over his humble beginnings, but who became arguably the greatest land explorer who ever lived. His most famous meeting with the missionary Dr David Livingstone at Victoria Falls seemed to me the least interesting thing about him.

Tim Jeal writes superbly, leading you on the journey with Stanley, where you feel you are hacking your way through the jungle right by his side as he navigates and maps the ‘Lost Continent’ including the impenetrable Congo and the central African watershed. It’s a long read, very detailed, thoroughly researched, with expansive notes and bibliography.

There is much controversy over the legacy of Stanley, rightly so considering his relationship with King Leopold II of Belgium and the abominations that took place in the Congo (now DRC). But Jeal’s account is sympathetic. Drawing out the nuance and sensitivity in Stanley’s character, and the complexities in his psyche, Jeal used previously unseen official and private letters only released by his family in 2002. He concludes that perhaps Stanley was not as evil, pompous or racist as many had previously argued.

Thousands died during Stanley’s many expeditions, through disease, war, starvation, exhaustion. The fact that Stanley survived is testament to the man’s character and resilience. The book is a major work on an extraordinary individual.