Into Africa

The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone

By: Martin Dugard

Narrated by: John Lee

"Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" So goes the signature introduction of New York Herald star journalist Henry Morton Stanley to renowned explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who had been missing for six years in the wilds of Africa. Into Africa ushers us into the meeting of these remarkable men. In 1866, when Livingstone journeyed into the heart of the African continent in search of the Nile's source, the land was rough, unknown to Europeans, and inhabited by man-eating tribes. The man sent to find him was an orphan and a drifter who had great ambition but little success to show for it. The book shows how, over the course of their nine-year relationship, Stanley ironically rose in power and prominence while Livingstone was relegated to isolation and danger in Africa.©2003 Martin Dugard (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"It is rare when a historical narrative keeps readers up late into the night....But author and adventurer Dugard...makes a suspenseful tale out of journalist Stanley's successful trek through the African interior to find and rescue a stranded Livingstone....This is a well-researched, always engrossing book." (Publishers Weekly)
"Dugard imbues the narrative with a keen sense of urgency that propels this compelling account along." (Booklist)
"An action-packed recounting of one of the most famous incidents in the history of exploration. Fine entertainment for adventure buffs, solidly researched and fluently told." (Kirkus)
"Crisp vivid language...transports the armchair adventurer from the jungle muck to the mountain peak." (Esquire)

Wow!

this book was a phenomenal listen! It is, first of all, very well written. The story isn't just that of Livingston: it is the story of Livingston, all he embodies, and all those whose life he touched whether directly a friend of his, or inspired by his life's work.

if you're expecting this to be a straight Livingston biography, you will be surprised because the book equally focuses on Livingston and Stanley, The New York Herald journalist who traipsed through Africa to find the missing explorer. Both men are equally interesting, as are the peripheral characters who both fund their exploitives and either aid or harang the heroes.

Far from boring, this book reads like a travel narrative. It is filled with interesting perspectives on African culture from the perspective of Livingston, Stanley, and others. Exciting stories of lions, crocodiles, political intrigue with African chieftains, Arab slaver traders and all the good and bad they had to offer... and that only covers the African stories. Stanley's backstory and personal journey are equally interesting as the missing great explorer.

What I enjoyed best was the way the author has taken very complicated men, and using quotes from their own writings, is able to delve into their mindsets, motives, and emotions. There is no simplifying, they are men who are clearly at odds with themselves as they seek greatness through hard work, perseverance, and redemption.

Much to think about

This is the rousing adventure tale that it purports to be; made all the more fascinating because it is a (mostly!) accurate depiction of historical events. If you are hoping to be "transported" to another place and time, the book delivers. Perhaps of even greater interest is the flawed humanity of the two main characters, Stanley & Livingstone. Their stories offer many layers of lessons and warnings about good intentions, unintended consequences and the baffling mix of good and evil that features so prominently in the human condition, leaving the reader with much to think about. Congratulations to author Martin Dugard!

great performance

great preformance, good writing, very informative. The author appears to make an effort to be unbiased with the curious exception that he appears to be... a little...anti- Livingstone. Assuridly the man had flaws, but I'm not sure one can morally condemn him for accepting the kindness of strangers- even slavers, rather than turning around....and..walking back into the starvation wilderness....? one could imagine that if this author made cause against oil, he would decline to take the interstate, skip the roadside ditch (made with fuel using machinery) and simply walk cross country from any point A to point B.

good stuff

great book - highly recommend -- loved the narrator though I think he could have toned down the voice he gave Stanley. Definitely pick it up.

STUNNING!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Into Africa?

There are too many "most" moments and I don't want to give anything away. If Africa and its history is interesting, this true story will hook you to listen to all 18 chapters.

Which character – as performed by John Lee – was your favorite?

John Lee is my favorite. I was delighted to discover he was the narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, although I rarely sit when I listen. I usually do chores and housework while I listen

Any additional comments?

This book would make an incredible movie...The true story of Stanley and Livingston. There was a point where the realities of the customs was difficult to know. I listened to it 3 times...house is REALLY clean :)

EPIC! An amazing TRUE story

an extremely well written and well performed book. It hit all the marks I hoped it would.

Gripping history

Great stuff and makes history come alive. Really makes you appreciate the courage of these adventurers. Sickness, death, difficulty greeted them every step of the way, but they triumphed through sheer force of will. A great companion to Burton's bio.

Fantastic story

This is a wonderful story, beautifully narrated, of the adventures of Stanley and Livingstone. Loved every minute of it.

Incredible story

The story was very interesting and the dedication and determination of Livingston and Stanley in spite of the odds against them was exciting to hear.

Splendid

This book caught my attention immediately. Having always wanted to learn a little about the history of Africa was the reason I bought it. I was captivated by the clever storytelling of Dugard. He brought together each character with skill and kept up the pace and suspense of what was going to happen next at just the right tempo. This is no Cliff Notes on the history of these people, but quite well researched. Especially nice was the epilogue telling of what eventually happened to each major character. I found myself anxious to get in the car to listen to more of it and even parked in a quiet place one day to finish a particular exciting chapter. This writer is equal to Stephen Ambrose or Rick Atkinson.