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The Personal Life of David Livingstone... Chiefly From his Unpublished Journals and Correspondence in the Possession of his Family
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.
We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.
We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
518 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1880
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 2, 2020
Difficult read, but interesting.
David Livingstone: a complicated man with a deep love for Africa, a passion for fighting slavery (mostly by rousing disgust for the slave trade around the world), a famous explorer, an imbedded sense of paternalistic colonialism and racial superiority yet still some genuine value for local culture and people (probably more so than many of his colonialist counterparts).
His compassion/passion is shown is such quotes as this: “If every drop of blood shed by the lash must be atoned for by an equal number of white men’s vital fluid, - righteous, O Lord, are Thy judgements!” (371). All the while, he also writes things such as, “I have never seen a beautiful woman in Africa. I’d be surprised if a European would ever want to marry one”(paraphrase). He cared deeply for Africa, yet he found much of it unpleasant - and that “unpleasantness” was one of the things that drew him to Africa - to help make it more “pleasant” through educating locals and fighting the slave trade. By the end of his life he seemed to see a certain beauty beyond the “ugliness” that kept him there.
David Livingstone: a complicated man with a deep love for Africa, a passion for fighting slavery (mostly by rousing disgust for the slave trade around the world), a famous explorer, an imbedded sense of paternalistic colonialism and racial superiority yet still some genuine value for local culture and people (probably more so than many of his colonialist counterparts).
His compassion/passion is shown is such quotes as this: “If every drop of blood shed by the lash must be atoned for by an equal number of white men’s vital fluid, - righteous, O Lord, are Thy judgements!” (371). All the while, he also writes things such as, “I have never seen a beautiful woman in Africa. I’d be surprised if a European would ever want to marry one”(paraphrase). He cared deeply for Africa, yet he found much of it unpleasant - and that “unpleasantness” was one of the things that drew him to Africa - to help make it more “pleasant” through educating locals and fighting the slave trade. By the end of his life he seemed to see a certain beauty beyond the “ugliness” that kept him there.
June 23, 2026
For many years, I held a somewhat jaded view of David Livingstone. He did not fit my understanding of what a missionary should be. He wasn't planting churches, actively evangelizing, or doing the kinds of ministry I associated with missions. As a result, I questioned whether he should even be considered a missionary.
However, reading this biography helped change my perspective. It revealed the heart and soul of one of history's most inspiring missionaries and explorers. Livingstone's deep love for Christ, his compassion for the African people, and his tireless efforts to open the continent to the gospel challenged my assumptions and gave me a greater appreciation for his unique calling and legacy.
In this powerful and intimate biography, The Personal Life of David Livingstone draws readers deep into the remarkable journey of the man who opened up the interior of Africa to the Western world—not only with his maps but with his compassion, faith, and courage. Written by his close associate William Garden Blaikie, this account goes beyond historical achievements to reveal Livingstone's inner character, spiritual convictions, and personal trials.
However, reading this biography helped change my perspective. It revealed the heart and soul of one of history's most inspiring missionaries and explorers. Livingstone's deep love for Christ, his compassion for the African people, and his tireless efforts to open the continent to the gospel challenged my assumptions and gave me a greater appreciation for his unique calling and legacy.
In this powerful and intimate biography, The Personal Life of David Livingstone draws readers deep into the remarkable journey of the man who opened up the interior of Africa to the Western world—not only with his maps but with his compassion, faith, and courage. Written by his close associate William Garden Blaikie, this account goes beyond historical achievements to reveal Livingstone's inner character, spiritual convictions, and personal trials.
November 16, 2017
The life of David Livingstone. Its immense what he underwent for Africa, from near death experiences, to loss of loved ones, hunger, continual sicknesses, betrayal etc. Yet he had such a love and desire for Africa. He had 3 objectives 1) share the gospel at all costs 2)abolish slavery and cause awareness of it and 3)exploration and mapping. An insightful read, my only frustration was unnecessary information and dry writing.
October 17, 2023
Devotion to Jesus Christ, compassion for the heathen, and character of historic proportion marked the labors of Livingstone in his travels. Much good from his character, little from his missionary work.
Less inspiring than other years' biographies.
Hated the slave trade. Supported the American north.
Total abstainer.
Separated from his family for long times.
Too much connection with politics and the great ones of this earth.
Less inspiring than other years' biographies.
Hated the slave trade. Supported the American north.
Total abstainer.
Separated from his family for long times.
Too much connection with politics and the great ones of this earth.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews