In the Footsteps of Livingstone — The Diaries and Travel Notes of Alfred Dolman (1924)

A rare and vivid account of early Victorian exploration in southern Africa. This volume brings together the journals and sketches of Alfred Dolman (1827–1851) — traveller, diarist, and artist — who set out on bold journeys across the Cape, Bechuanaland, and the Kalahari in the shadow of David Livingstone.

Edited by John Irving and first published in 1924, the book preserves Dolman’s original words, drawings, and watercolours, alongside a memoir of his short but extraordinary life. At just 24, Dolman met a tragic end in unexplained circumstances on his fifth expedition, leaving behind journals that capture:

• First-hand descriptions of the Cape Colony, native peoples, and wildlife

• Encounters with peril — from shipboard storms to cobras and lions

• Early maps and watercolours illustrating the landscapes he crossed

• A glimpse into the mindset of a young Victorian explorer whose courage, artistry, and determination were remarkable for his age

For collectors of African travel literature and students of nineteenth-century exploration, this book stands as both a historical record and a poignant memorial.

Specifications:

• Title: In the Footsteps of Livingstone: The Diaries and Travel Notes of Alfred Dolman

• Editor: John Irving

• First published: 1924, John Lane, The Bodley Head Ltd.

• Includes illustrations and maps by Dolman