The Zambesi Journal and Letters of Dr John Kirk- 2 Volumes

The Kirk Journal and Letters, now published for the first time, are of outstanding interest and importance. They give a day to day account of the progress of the Government Expedition to the Zambesi (1858-63) which was led by David Livingstone and explored the rivers leading to the interior from the East Coast of Africa - the Zambesi, the Shire and the Rovuma - and discovered Lake Nyasa. Their author, Dr (later Sir) John Kirk, was the Botanist and Medical Officer to the Expedition and, after the resignation of Commander Bedingfield in the middle of 1858, its Second in Command. He returned later to East Africa, on the recommendation of his former leader, to spend 20 years in Government service at Zanzibar, where he played a major part in the suppresssion of the Slave Trade.

Much fresh light is thrown upon David Livingstone and his relationship with the other members of the Expedition by Kirk's contemporary record, as well as upon the early days of the Universities Mission to Central Africa under its first two Bishops, Mackenzie and Tozer.

Although of particular interest and value to the specialist in African studies, the Journal and Letters ought also to make a wide appeal to the general reader as they contain descriptions of many exciting incidents which have not previously been narrated, and give in vivid detail a graphic account of the many difficulties encountered by the explorers and how they were overcome. They refer to matters of botanical and meduical interest, to native life and customs and to big game hunting and provide the reader with an amazing story of adventure and discogery, in which Livingstone and Kirk play the leading roles. Hitherto the Zambesi Expedition has been known from the reports, dispatches and journals of its leader. With the publication of Kirk's more detailed and quite independent contemporary documents, it is now possible to fill in many gaps and to form a more balanced judgment on the controversies which involved some of the Expedition's members and to assess Kirk's own contribution to this opening up of the way to the "Great Lake" (Lake Nyasa).

Two volume set, dustcovers sealed. Volume I Frontispiece, xxi plus 317 pages text with illustrations. Volume II Pages 321-636 with illustrations.Dustcover are clipped.