"Nothing obsessed explorers of the mid-nineteenth century more than the quest to discover the source of the White Nile. It was the planet's most elusive secret, the prize coveted above all others. Between 1856 and 1876, six larger-than-life men and one extraordinary woman accepted the challenge. Showing extreme courage and resilience, Richard Burton, John Hanning Speke, James Augustus Grant, Samuel Baker, Florence von Sass, David Livingstone, and Henry Morton Stanley risked their lives and reputations in the fierce competition. Award-winning author Tim Jeal deploys fascinating new research to provide a vivid tableau of the unmapped 'Dark Continent, ' its jungle deprivations, and the courage--as well as malicious tactics--of the explorers."--Publisher's website.

Simultaneously published in the United Kingdom: London : Faber and Faber. Donated by John M. McCaffrey.

pt. I, Solving the mystery: Blood in God's river -- A great misalliance -- A rush of men like a stormy wind -- About a rotten person -- Everything was to be risked for this prize -- Promises and lies -- A blackguard business -- Our adventurous friend -- As refulgent as the sun -- An arrow into the heart -- Nothing could surpass it! -- The Nile is settled -- A hero's aberrations -- Death in the afternoon -- The doctor's dilemma -- The glory of our prize -- A trumpet blown loudly -- Almost in sight of the end -- Never to give up the search until I find Livingstone -- The doctor's obedient and devoted servitor -- Threshing out the beaten straw -- Nothing earthly will make me give up my work -- Where will you be? Dead or still seeking the Nile? -- The unknown half of Africa lies before me -- pt. 2, The consequences: Shepherds of the world? -- Creating Equatoria -- An unheard of deed of blood -- Pretensions on the Congo -- An Arabian princess and a German battle squadron -- "Saving" Emin Pasha and Uganda -- The prime minister's protectorate -- To die for the Mahdi's cause -- Equatoria and the tragedy of southern Sudan -- A sin not theirs : the tragedy of northern Uganda -- Coda: Lacking the wand of an enchanter -- Appendix: Fifty years of books on the search for the Nile's source.