Document Type
Book Review
Publication Date
2009
Rights
Abstract
This is a review of Tom Jeal’s Stanley: the Impossible Life of Africa’s Greatest Explorer. Although perhaps the most carefully researched of the many books of Stanley, the book suffers from its zealous attempt to absolve Stanley of his inhumanity in spite of the most extensive historical evidence of the abominations that he committed against Africans. Instead, Jeal sets out to humanize a historical monster who paved the way for many pogroms committed by the colonial hegemons in Africa. Even deep flaws of character, including self-denial, that were so evident in Stanley are either explained away or excused. The book is a truly incredible attempt to valorize a person many Africans would rather forget.
Publication Title
Human Rights Quarterly
First Page
806
Last Page
809
Recommended Citation
Makau w. Mutua,
An Apology for a Pathological Brute (reviewing Tim Jeal, Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa's Greatest Explorer (2007)),
31
Hum. Rts. Q.
806
(2009).
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.law.buffalo.edu/book_reviews/43