Pioneering on the Congo

William Holman Bentley (1855-1905) was a missionary who spent twenty-one years in the area of the Congo. Originally published in 1900, this is the second of two volumes documenting the pioneering work of travellers to the area between 1879 and 1899. During that time it progressed from being virtually unexplored to a fully charted region with government officers, traders and missionaries operating far and wide. As the only foreign witness to the entire period, Bentley provides an authoritative account of the dramatic developments he observed in the Congo's geography, culture, religion and commerce. This volume traces the missionaries' journey to Stanley (Malebo) Pool, introduces their vessel, the Peace, reveals the progress made on the upper river and in the Cataract region, and investigates the policies of the Congo government. Providing a judicious account of a country in changing times, Bentley's memoirs remain significant for the historical study of Africa.