The Personal Life of David Livingstone Chiefly from his Unpublished Journals and Correspondence in the Possession of His Family

"The Personal Life of David Livingstone" by William Garden Blaikie is a biographical exploration of the famous missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, that emphasizes his personal beliefs and motivations beyond his well-known adventures. It paints a portrait of Livingstone as a deeply religious individual dedicated to serving others, particularly through his missionary work and his desire to improve the lives of the people he encountered. The narrative begins with Livingstone's early life, detailing his upbringing on Ulva, the impact of his family's principles, and important moments that shaped his character, like his time working in a cotton mill and his growing embrace of Christianity; it sheds light on his decision to become a missionary and his commitment to obtaining medical skills to aid his efforts in Africa. The purpose is to give a complete view of the man, from his beginnings to his lasting legacy as a selfless servant dedicated to the betterment of humankind.