The Congo and the Founding of its Free State
A Story of Work and Exploration

A detailed account, first published in 1885, of the exploration of the Congo basin by Henry Stanley (1841–1904).

Henry Morton Stanley (Author)

9781108031318, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 August 2011

624 pages, 73 b/w illus. 4 maps
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.78 kg

Sir Henry Morton Stanley (1841–1904) was a journalist and explorer renowned for his adventures in Africa. After emigrating to America in 1859, Stanley worked as a journalist for the New York Herald. In 1869 he was instructed to undertake an expedition to find the missionary David Livingstone, and the success of this mission brought him public recognition and financial success. These volumes, first published in 1885, provide an account of Stanley's exploration of the Congo river in the service of Leopold II of Belgium between 1879 and 1884. Deriving from Stanley's personal journal, the books describe the difficulties he faced as he founded permanent trading stations, and his negotiations with indigenous leaders, together with his plans for the commercial exploitation of Africa. Stanley's controversial methods to achieve this aim, which led to his modern reputation as a racist and imperialist, are also revealed. Volume 1 covers 1879–83.

Preface
1. Previous history of the Congo
2. The political history of Congo-land
3. The sequel to the book 'Through the Dark Continent'
4. The African International Association
5. En route to the Congo
6. Banana Point
7. Up the 'Mighty' Congo
8. Up the Congo: from Boma to Vivi
9. The founding of Vivi: a story of work
10. Vivi to Isangila: a reconnaissance
11. Vivi to Isangila: road-making - a curious chapter
12. Visit to Isangila continued
13. Between the cataract regions: to Manyanga
14. Fever at Manyanga
15. A reconnaissance to Stanley Pool
16. Ngalyema of Ntamo
17. Settlement at Stanley Pool
18. The founding of Léopoldville
19. The founding of Léopoldville continued
20. Up the Congo to Lake Léopold II
21. Discovery of Lake Léopold II
22. Return to Europe
23. Condition of affairs on the Congo
24. To Stanley Pool
25. To Bolobo.

Subject Areas: African history [HBJH]