The Story of H. M. Stanley

The astonishing life of Sir Henry Morton Stanley (born John Rowlands, 1841-1904), Welsh journalist, adventurer, and explorer is related here, beginning with his childhood and continuing through to his serving on both sides in the American Civil War, and his extensive explorations in Africa. It was these last adventures-which included a search for the origin of the Nile and a dramatic expedition to find the lost missionary and explorer David Livingstone, for which Stanley won the most fame. These African adventures also included his work in, and development of, the Congo Basin region in association with King Leopold II of Belgium, and his commanding the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, which was the last major European expedition into Africa in the nineteenth century, ostensibly to relieve the besieged governor of Equatoria. This expedition came to be both celebrated-for its ambition in crossing "darkest Africa"-and notorious, for causing the deaths of so many of its members and the disease unwittingly left in its wake. Stanley was one of the last great European explorers and adventurers, and was knighted for his feats. His daring tales of bravado, while struggling against seemingly impossible odds, will inspire the modern reader, young and old alike. Illustrated by L. D. Luard.