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Stanley

Africa's Greatest Explorer
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( 861 ratings, 103 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Stanley by Tim Jeal is a compelling biography that delves into the life of the renowned explorer Henry Morton Stanley. It chronicles his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood to his legendary expeditions in Africa, revealing new insights into his character and the controversies surrounding him. This meticulously researched account offers a fresh perspective on a complex and fascinating historical figure.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

    This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the adventurous lives of historical figures, specifically explorers. Tim Jeal's writing brings to life the remarkable journey of a complex man, combining thorough research with compelling storytelling.

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Stanley

A gripping and critically acclaimed biography of the most brilliant and misunderstood adventurer in the great age of exploration.

Stanley: Africa's Greatest Explorer by Tim Jeal is a gripping and critically acclaimed biography of the most brilliant and misunderstood adventurer in the great age of exploration.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Tim Jeal's Stanley is a riveting biography that delves into the complex life of one of history's most intriguing figures, Henry Morton Stanley. The narrative takes readers on an extraordinary journey from Stanley's harsh beginnings as an orphan consigned to a Welsh workhouse, to his multifaceted career in America where he fought in the Civil War—on both sides—before transitioning into journalism and eventually becoming one of the world's most renowned explorers.

Jeal's meticulously researched biography challenges the prevailing view of Stanley as merely a cruel imperialist and a villainous 'bad man of Africa'. Instead, Stanley delves into the unimaginable hardships and achievements of Stanley's life, highlighting the resilience and sheer determination that drove him to become Africa's greatest explorer.

One of the most captivating aspects of Stanley's career was his dazzling trans-Africa journey, which resolved nearly every geographical mystery of the continent. His harrowing expedition down the Congo River to the Atlantic Ocean is recounted as a heart-wrenching saga of human endurance and perseverance, affirming his status as a colossal figure in the annals of exploration.

Beyond his explorations, Stanley's work included conducting one of history's most legendary interviews, epitomised by the iconic phrase, "Doctor Livingstone, I presume?" This moment remains etched in popular culture as a symbol of nineteenth-century exploration and adventure.

Jeal's biography is enriched with abundant new documentary evidence, offering a timely re-examination of colonial guilt and providing fresh insights into African history. Readers are invited to gain a deeper understanding of the inherent complexities of exploration during an era marked by intense imperial ambition and cultural conflict.

With Stanley, Jeal embarks on a mission to thoroughly reappraise Henry Morton Stanley's reputation, presenting a balanced and nuanced portrait that is as compelling as it is comprehensive. This biography stands out not only for its scholarly rigour but also for its emotional depth and majestic narrative that elevates the genre to new heights.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Stanley by Tim Jeal is receiving high praise, with reviewers like the Sunday Telegraph calling it an absorbing and superb biography that is likely to be definitive.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571221035

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 March 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 35.0mm

Width: 125.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 468g

Pages: 608

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About the Author

Tim Jeal is the author of Livingstone, selected as a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times Book Review and one of the 'Best and Brightest of the Year' by the Washington Post Book World. His Baden-Powell was described in the Literary Review as 'one of the most important biographies of recent years'. His memoir, Swimming with my Father, was published by Faber in 2004 to rapturous critical acclaim. He is also a novelist and a former winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize.

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