The Story of David Livingstone

by Vautier Golding

A clear, simple account of Livingstone's pioneer work in Africa as explorer, medical missionary, and suppressor of the slave trade. Describes the horrors of the slave trade and Livingstone's efforts to thwart the slave traders in Africa and to bring awareness of the dire situation to the people in England and around the world. Emphasizes his indomitable courage and persistence in the face of countless difficulties to achieve his lifelong goal of doing as much good as he could for those most in need of it. A volume in the highly-acclaimed Children's Heroes series, edited by John Lang.

Genres: Biography, Geography, School, History, Nonfiction, Africa

92 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2007

Reviews

[Sherry Elmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty simple story of David Livingstone. It would be fine to read with children so you could explain some things to them, but I think there must be better books on Livingstone out there.

[Phil Cotnoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple and celebratory biography of famed missionary-explorer David Livingstone published in 1906. It is not written from a Christian perspective, but rather a British one. There is no clear indication in this volume whether Livingstone actually shared the gospel or whether he intended only to teach and improve the lives of the Africans. It has been noted that Livingstone was more explorer than evangelist, and this biography reflects that. The few statements by the author aiming to summarize Livingstone's missionary work went something like: "He wanted to help them improve their lives and learn to do their duty to God." Hmm. I'll have to find a fuller biography to understand this better. But certainly he was a remarkable, likeable and caring man who stood against cruelty - especially the slave trade which was still roaring in Africa when he was there from the 1840's to the early 1870's despite the abolition of it in the British Empire in 1833.

Bought this at a local library for 50 cents. Awesome.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the day, I read David Livingstone’s original writings to my children. The wordiness and the unfamiliar words bade it a tough slog for us. This more digestible biography brings his story to life. The trials and challenges that he faced is amazing. He truly cared about the tribes in Africa and it broke his heart to see the devastation of the slave trade. It led to a lawlessness and disorder and truly the work of Christ is the only way to solve that problem. He also was a man of his word and, when given the mission of finding the source of the Nile and the Congo rivers, he did not let insurmountable obstacles deter him.

The book ends on a hopeful note and yet ending slaving did not end the problems that the African people faced. The book was published in 1906 and an epilogue would have been fitting. Fortunately, in AO’s curriculum does include The Story of the World, Volume 4 by Susan Wise Bauer to tell the rest of the story--how ending slavery led to colonialism, which brought its own problems.

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pros: short
fairly clear overview

Cons:
It is very much a product of its time. While there is good information, it is also studded with sentences that take your breath away ("... but his noble self-sacrifice roused his countrymen to take possession of Central Africa..."), enthusiastic praise for noble actions (but the praise feels too enthusiastic... forced), and stories half told - told with much context left out.


Takeaway:
There are better books.
I really appreciated Rob Mackenzie's book, for example. It allows the heart of Livingstone to show through while also describing his success and failure.
I'd like to read Livingstone's own journals as well.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very difficult read to read-aloud, because I'm pretty sure I butchered every African geographical word in this book, and there were MANY! That being said, it was a good read and I'm so thankful for what he was able to do through pure tenacity and fortitude. However, the mother side of me can't help but wonder how his children faired after loosing first one parent and then not seeing the other for more than three years. I wrestle with the aspect of opening up to the western world the pure evil and consequences of slavery and why not stay close to home and raise your children well. While also trying not to judge what God revealed to him to do.

[Megan Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great children's book to introduce David Livingstone to a younger reader. I decided to read this after the negative comments by Tsh Oxenrider's in her new book "At Home in This World". It seems he was a man who helped put major geographical finds on maps and helped end slavery in Africa. Although I definitely want to read more about him, I'm disappointed in such unnecessary comments in her book. Seems like she's a bit out of touch. Tho one children's book does not make me an expert and I tend to explore this more.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really know anything about Livingstone, but really appreciated this story. It's relatively short. 6th grader and I mapped the areas in Africa as best we could and I highly recommend that while reading. Otherwise, the areas blend together. I have a better understanding of this area of Africa from this short book.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre reading for AO Y6. I’m not sure why they chose this book because it is a bit dry and soulless. But it is being read for the geography of the story and not because it is a great biography. So that make it seem like a better choice. I would not choose it for its strength as a biography.

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre-read for AO year 6. I got a bit lost in all the geography, and that made this book a bit of a slog, but a life worth reading about nonetheless! "It is a brave thing to die for one's fellow men; it is also brave, and often far harder, to live for them."

[Rachel]

A bit dry and has lots of place names. It would be great if it had maps to go with it. It was hard to find all the places on the maps I found online and in atlases we have.

[Christy Bowling]

rather slow...would have loved to hear more about his missionary work

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

AO6 Maps would have made this book much better.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read alongside Nolan for Ambleside Grade 6.
Recommend.

[Ava Giuliano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty short sweet, and to the point.

[Kristiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a powerful story of the life of David Livingstone!
"Ah, but his heart is still in Africa, under the mvula-tree at Chitambo's."

[Caroline Norris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars as a book all by itself, but it was pretty perfect in its place in our curriculum!

[Agni Sen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!