A detailed look at one of the most examined figures of the entire 19th century. Many of the brief biographies of Livingstone skim over his letters and journals, but Mackenzie does a great job of pulling the most interesting from the plethora of primary sources. If you've only read brief summaries of Livingstone's life or abridged biographies, I recommend moving to this longer work.

This book was written by a pastor, and its tone is primarily positive towards Livingstone's life and influence. Iconoclast critics ("historians") who feel the need to blast the positive influence and personal lives of every Christian hero by nitpicking on their warts and flaws: you can read a different biography if you need something to groan over. ( )

Central Africa Missionaries

In his book, Livingstone's Rifle (see review elsewhere in my collection), my friend, Leroy Randall, suggested that Mackenzie's book would be a good one to read about David Livingstone (1813-1873), arguably the most famous missionary since the Apostle Paul.

Livingstone was a medical doctor, Christian missionary, explorer, and fiercely against evils endemic to the African slave trade.

Although I found the reading to be somewhat tedious and depressing, I'm glad to have read it and believe it to be a good experience. I use "tedious," as the author is careful to take the reader though many details of physical, mental, and spiritual hardships in the daily living of Livingstone. Yet, I must caution myself, if I think they be tedious, what must they have been like for Livingstone?

I use "depressing," as much of what Livingstone experienced in life -- to him and by him -- turned out to be a downer and/or a mistake. In spite of it all, however, the author succeeds in communicating the great faith that Livingstone had in himself, others, and God.

Persons interesting in serving as a Christian missionary, especially to the African continent, should find the book to be beneficial and hopefully, inspiring.

The book includes several maps, plus 20 illustrations that enhance its reading. It also includes three pages of "Biographical Notes," listing the dates of major events or milestones in Livingstone's life. There is no index. ( )