Travels in West Africa

A remarkable account by a pioneering woman explorer who was described by Rudyard Kipling as 'the bravest woman of all my knowledge'. Until 1893, Mary Kingsley lived the typical life of a single Victorian woman, tending to sick relatives and keeping house for her brother. However, on the death of her parents, she undertook an extraordinary decision: with no prior knowledge of the region, she set out alone to West Africa to pursue her anthropological interests and collect botanical specimens. Her subsequent book, published in 1897, is a testament to understatement and humour - few explorers made less of the hardships and dangers experienced while travelling (including unaccompanied treks through dangerous jungles and encounters with deadly animals). Travels in West Africa would challenge (as well as reinforce) contemporary Victorian prejudices about Africa, and also made invaluable contributions to the fields of botany and anthropology. Above all, however, it has stood the test of time as a gripping, classic travel narrative by a woman whose sense of adventure and fascination with Africa transformed her whole life. This Penguin edition includes a fascinating introduction by Dr Toby Green examining Victorian attitudes to Africa, along with explanatory notes by Lynnette Turner. Mary Kingsley was born in north London in 1862, the daughter of the traveller and physician George Kingsley and his former housekeeper, Mary Bailey. Her education was scant: while her younger brother was sent away to school, she stayed at home. Later she lived in Cambridge, and cared for her bedridden mother. Following the deaths of her parents, Kingsley embarked on a voyage to West Africa in August 1893, with the object of studying native religion and law and collecting zoological specimens. In December 1894, she undertook a second trip to the region, during which she became the first woman to climb West Africa's highest mountain, Mount Cameroon. On returning home eleven months later, she wrote Travels in West Africa , which was published in 1897 and was followed by West African Studies in 1899. Kingsley made one final trip to Africa, enlisting as a volunteer nurse in South Africa during the Boer War. She had only been there for two months when she developed typhoid fever and died, on 3rd June 1900, before being buried at sea in accordance with her wishes. Lynnette Turner is Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Edge Hill University. Toby Green is Lecturer in Lusophone African History and Culture at Kings College London. His book The Rise of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in Western Africa appeared in 2011.

A remarkable account by a pioneering woman explorer who was described by Rudyard Kipling as 'the bravest woman of all my knowledge'. Until 1893, Mary Kingsley lived the typical life of a single Victorian woman, tending to sick relatives and keeping house for her brother. However, on the death of her parents, she undertook an extraordinary decision: with no prior knowledge of the region, she set out alone to West Africa to pursue her anthropological interests and collect botanical specimens. Her subsequent book, published in 1897, is a testament to understatement and humour - few explorers made less of the hardships and dangers experienced while travelling (including unaccompanied treks through dangerous jungles and encounters with deadly animals). Travels in West Africa would challenge (as well as reinforce) contemporary Victorian prejudices about Africa, and also made invaluable contributions to the fields of botany and anthropology. Above all, however, it has stood the test of time as a gripping, classic travel narrative by a woman whose sense of adventure and fascination with Africa transformed her whole life. This Penguin edition includes a fascinating introduction by Dr Toby Green examining Victorian attitudes to Africa, along with explanatory notes by Lynnette Turner. Mary Kingsley was born in north London in 1862, the daughter of the traveller and physician George Kingsley and his former housekeeper, Mary Bailey. Her education was scant: while her younger brother was sent away to school, she stayed at home. Later she lived in Cambridge, and cared for her bedridden mother. Following the deaths of her parents, Kingsley embarked on a voyage to West Africa in August 1893, with the object of studying native religion and law and collecting zoological specimens. In December 1894, she undertook a second trip to the region, during which she became the first woman to climb West Africa's highest mountain, Mount Cameroon. On returning home eleven months later, she wrote Travels in West Africa , which was published in 1897 and was followed by West African Studies in 1899. Kingsley made one final trip to Africa, enlisting as a volunteer nurse in South Africa during the Boer War. She had only been there for two months when she developed typhoid fever and died, on 3rd June 1900, before being buried at sea in accordance with her wishes. Lynnette Turner is Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Edge Hill University. Toby Green is Lecturer in Lusophone African History and Culture at Kings College London. His book The Rise of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in Western Africa appeared in 2011.

"Travels in West Africa" by Mary H. Kingsley is a detailed account of her journey through various regions of West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Cape Coast, and Accra. The narrative begins with Kingsley's departure from Liverpool, accompanied by Lady MacDonald, and their voyage to the Canary Islands before reaching Sierra Leone. Kingsley provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the bustling life in Free Town, and the cultural dynamics she encounters. She notes the vibrant street life, the diverse attire of the locals, and the presence of various ethnic groups, including the Mandingoes and Fulahs, who add to the cultural tapestry of the region. In Sierra Leone, Kingsley is struck by the beauty of the natural surroundings, particularly the lush vegetation and the majestic mountains. However, she also candidly discusses the challenges posed by the climate and the health risks associated with the region, often referred to as the "white man's grave" due to its high mortality rates among Europeans. Despite these challenges, Kingsley is captivated by the charm of the place and the hospitality of its people. The journey continues to Cape Coast, where Kingsley is impressed by the historical architecture, including the old stone castle and forts that speak to the region's colonial past. She reflects on the town's strategic importance and its role in the history of the slave trade. Her observations extend to the social and economic conditions of the area, highlighting the influence of missions and the need for technical education among the local population. Accra, with its oriental charm, is another highlight of Kingsley's travels. She describes the town's layout, the vibrant market scenes, and the interactions with local practices, including a memorable tea party with King Tackie. Throughout her journey, Kingsley maintains a keen interest in the natural history and cultural practices of the regions she visits, providing a rich tapestry of observations that offer insigh

"Travels in West Africa" by Mary H. Kingsley is a detailed account of her journey through various regions of West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Cape Coast, and Accra. The narrative begins with Kingsley's departure from Liverpool, accompanied by Lady MacDonald, and their voyage to the Canary Islands before reaching Sierra Leone. Kingsley provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the bustling life in Free Town, and the cultural dynamics she encounters. She notes the vibrant street life, the diverse attire of the locals, and the presence of various ethnic groups, including the Mandingoes and Fulahs, who add to the cultural tapestry of the region. In Sierra Leone, Kingsley is struck by the beauty of the natural surroundings, particularly the lush vegetation and the majestic mountains. However, she also candidly discusses the challenges posed by the climate and the health risks associated with the region, often referred to as the "white man's grave" due to its high mortality rates among Europeans. Despite these challenges, Kingsley is captivated by the charm of the place and the hospitality of its people. The journey continues to Cape Coast, where Kingsley is impressed by the historical architecture, including the old stone castle and forts that speak to the region's colonial past. She reflects on the town's strategic importance and its role in the history of the slave trade. Her observations extend to the social and economic conditions of the area, highlighting the influence of missions and the need for technical education among the local population. Accra, with its oriental charm, is another highlight of Kingsley's travels. She describes the town's layout, the vibrant market scenes, and the interactions with local practices, including a memorable tea party with King Tackie. Throughout her journey, Kingsley maintains a keen interest in the natural history and cultural practices of the regions she visits, providing a rich tapestry of observations that offer insigh