Charles Livingstone: a biographical study, with emphasis on his accomplishments on the Zambezi Expedition, 1858-1863

Abstract

To those acquainted with Africa's greatest missionary/explorer, the name of Charles Livingstone often invokes a host of negative feelings. The younger brother of the great Livingstone is usually encountered somewhere in David's shadow, and on those occasions when Charles stepped into his own light, David's biographers treated him to a spate of invective and abuse not often encountered in historical readings.Careful reading and cautious analysis of the evidence, however, indicates that Charles is worthy of better treatment than he has yet been afforded, and it is the object of this study to present the man and his career in a more realistic light. As it was his work on the Zambezi Expedition which has generated the most controversy, that period of his life is here given paramount importance. Chapters on his youth, his years at university, and his work in West Africa are included to present a more complete picture of the man.While on the Expedition, Charles served as his brother's general assistant and secretary, and was intoned to encourage the cultivation of cotton, to make careful readings of the earth's natural magnetism, and to take photographs of the lands and peoples of the region, In addition, he did commendable work in zoology, especially with the branch of ornithology. Each of these tasks is treated in detail, and those who nave written or have been led to believe that nothing came of any of his duties may be surprised - pleasantly or otherwise - to see that although his work in no field places him among the giants of the nineteenth century, his work in every case was far more admirable than anyone has yet imaginedThis, then, is a new look at Charles Livingstone, a man who did his tasks and did them well, yet suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune for his efforts. It is hoped that this study will serve as a first step toward a general reappraisal of the man's career, and will add to the understanding of the early contacts between Europeans and the peoples of Africa.