PREFACE. 



My task has been to write a book setting forth as clearly as 

 possible the life-work of Dr. Livingstone, in its connection with 

 the history of the African continent, and its bearing on those 

 great issues involved in the redemption of that continent from 

 gloom and barbarism. I have followed, as closely as the subject 

 demanded, the books and journals of Dr. Livingstone himself, 

 for his personal observations and adventures, and have availed 

 myself freely of whatever I have found, in a wide range of 

 works, in illustration of the character and customs of the people, 

 the appearance and condition of the country, the habits of ani- 

 mals, and have freely seized such facts of science and of general 

 history as have seemed to have a bearing on my subject. Where 

 I have drawn on the works of others, I have done so more for 

 facts than for the form of putting them, and I have not been 

 particularly careful in making quotations, that they should be 

 literal, nor has it seemed important in a work designed for 

 popular patronage to make frequent mention of authorities. I 

 have had at my command the most reliable sources of informa- 

 tion concerning the things of which I have written, and while 

 I am conscious that there are imperfections in the book, I have 

 tried to make it a faithful record, a clear delineation of character, 

 and a reliable witness in connection with the great interests in- 



