Thanks to Patrick Irwin, who works at the garden at TACT Hall for this book on David Livingstone. The author being Tim Jeal.
Now, this is a book unlike any other on David Livingstone. Published in 1973, it is fairly controversial for Blantyre for within the retelling of Livingstone’s Life story, there are suggestions that the great man was not all made out to be and that the myth of this wonderful explorer was tarnished by his actions, attitude and selfishness! These aren’t concepts you’ll find in a history museum celebrating Livingstone’s achievements, so the book certainly from the off, is an interesting read.
Tim Jeal’s book shows the myth to be a bizarre distortion and reveals Livingstone as a complex and paradoxical figure, a man capable of self sacrifice and ruthless cruelty, dogged throughout his life by self doubt, contradictions and failures. This book presents a new argument that it was actually Livingstone’s actions, ideals and influence which even years after his death, played a major part in British Imperial Power being established in Africa, a precursor for problems and divisions which were to follow.
It if of course one persons version of events, but with good sources referenced within, it presents an interesting alternative on the life of Blantyre’s most famous son.
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said:
Steven Robertson The statement was ‘Have always had doubts about any explore who forced Their religious views on the indigenous people who occupied the area they are exploring. ‘ No mention of converting any one .And not just specific to DL. Maybe i should have added the words ,try to in there
Blantyre Project I should add, its not a book i’ll be quoting, nor be promoting in Blantyre, this article being merely a sidenote.
John Cornfield I love seeing the real story the truth as always lies somewhere in between