David Livingstone – Prophet or Patron Saint of Imperialism in Africa: Myths and Misconceptions

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe life of David Livingstone has been much re-valued in modern times. In the course of the transformation of his reputation from that of saintly hero to flawed proponent of imperial rule a whole range of myths and misconceptions has arisen. The structuring of his life as a path from triumph to tragedy to atonement has skewed an understanding of the degree of continuity that actually prevailed in respect of his status and public profile, even during the years after his return from the supposedly failed Zambezi expedition in 1864 until his return to Africa in 1868. The availability of online press resources enable us to examine the ways in which he was received during this period. It is also possible to assess the extent to which he continued to be kept in the public eye before H.M. Stanley's ‘scoop’ in finding him at Ujiji in 1871. Moreover, he has been incorrectly identified as a prophet and advocate of imperialism when his relationship with colonial rule in Africa was in fact much more complex and ambivalent. This article argues that he was in fact used by others as a ‘patron saint’ of imperialism and missionary endeavour in Africa.