How I Found Livingstone

Sir Stanleys account of his trek through east Africa in the late 1860s has the potential to be both historically relevant and a real-life adventure story. He accurately records the travels over more than a year and notes both successes and failures, weather, terrain, peoples met, battles fought, and all sorts of administration problems a troop lead can encounter. Having siad that, this is not an illustrated book (despite the words in the title). I dont know if the printed copy contains drawings, photos, maps etc. but none of that shows up in the Kindle version and the story suffers greatly for that. In trying to locate some of the places identified in the book with any of the online mapping tools was practically impossible as place names have been significantly changed in the intervening 140+ years. This seriously degrades the book and cost 2 stars to the rating.

Absolutely excellent. The writing is quite excellent and the story the same. It is an adventure story worth reading

An interesting account for those who like a first-hand, historical perspective. Stanleys writing is a little verbose compared to todays but, all-in-all, quite entertaining.

Great shape!

I found this book very interesting. I was struck by the amazing tenacity and bravery that was shown by the party sent to find Dr Livingstone. The sheer will power of Sir Henry Stanley that made him push ahead despite he and his party facing extreme conditions and so many setbacks. Illness,attacks, thievery and nearly impassable terrain, plus food and water shortages among others, he still managed to achieved what he had set out to do. The story continues as Sir Henry Stanley greatly encouraged by his profound admiration of Dr David Livingstone whom he got to know so well, was able to play a significant role with Dr. Livingstone in further exploration.. The subsequent account of their travels and the difficulties they faced together shows the reader another side of both men and makes this book even more special.

First let me say that I dont particularly enjoy reading fiction, I like interesting & adventurous non-fiction ), but on the rare occasion that I find a book that I actually would like to learn more about, then Im in. This book is well written and a first hand account of Stanleys adventures. Its fascinating to read his thoughts about far away peoples that I assume were foreign to most at the time. The manner in which they all speak and the pomp and circumstance of the interactions between Stanley, dignitaries, noblemen, tribesman and merchants is very interesting. It rather gives the feel of an Indiana Jones movie! I am shocked how interesting this book is so far and Im only on Chapter 4! AND...I havent even gotten to the parts that Im interested in - the Congo jungle! If you like adventure tales, you should check this book out!!

Even though Stanley was a journalist, his writing style left much to be desired. Still, its good to get the words from the horses mouth. And it was an epic journey for the time and place.

Given the era in which it was written, the language is a bit overblown but not intolerably so. However, the formatting is a continual challenge. The tale is interesting but be prepared to adjust the font size every couple of chapters.

I am deeply amazed at the dedication and fortitude of these men. Their courage and strength of character are truly astounding. An intricate look at history and the thirst for knowledge. I have been humbled by this whole reading experience. I view our world through different eyes. I mourn the passing of men of this nature, the pure scholars.. How would they view our world now?

Great reading. What a lot of dangers and deprivations Mr. Stanley went through in those early stages of Africa,