Hearts of Darkness: European Exploration of Africa

by F . J . Mc Lynn (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1993

  $4.19

  At the beginning of the 19th century, the interior of Africa was almost entirely unknown to the inhabitants of the civilized world. The continent was Nature's last great fortress, made seemingly impregnable by disease, hostile tribes, dangerous animals, extremes of climate and an inhospitable terrain. However, by the middle of the century the era of discovery had unmistakeably dawned. Africa was being opened up by the British, French and Germans, by new technology and feats of bravery. This book offers the reality of exploration, the equipment, the porters, the guns and the dangers. Here too are the explorers, their personalities, their motivation and their astonishing journeys to the heart of the continent.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1992

  $6.12

  This book proposes a thematic treatment of the subject. Following an historical survey of the achievements and scope of the explorers, the ensuing chapters deal with exploration under a series of different headings including imperialism, psychology, warfare, the impact on indigenous societies, slavery and diseases. The book encompasses the whole of African exploration from the charting of the Niger by Mungo Park in 1796, the achievements of Speke, Burton, Livingstone and Stanley, as well as other less well-known figures including French and German exploreres, up to Stanley's last great trek across Africa in 1897. Frank McLynn is the author of Charles Edward Stuart which was short-listed for the 1989 McVitie's Prize for Scottish Writer of the Year and The Jacobite Army in England which won the 1985 Cheltenham Prize for Literature.