The Personal Life of David Livingstone... Chiefly from His Unpublished Journals and Correspondence in the Possession of His Family, by William Garden Blaikie...

Published in 1880, this biography was written by William Garden Blaikie shortly after the death of the famous Scottish explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. The work was commissioned by Livingstone's family to offer an intimate, authorized account of his life, drawing heavily upon his private journals and correspondence that had not been previously available to the public. The primary goal of the volume was to provide a definitive and corrective record of his missionary work in Africa and his extensive geographical explorations, effectively cementing his legacy as a Victorian hero during a period of intense imperial interest in the continent.

Blaikie, a professor at New College, Edinburgh, designed the work as a scholarly but accessible tribute that emphasized Livingstone's personal faith and humanitarian dedication. The book was well-received by contemporary critics and the general public, serving as a primary resource for later historians who sought to understand the explorer beyond his public persona. Its design and inclusion of personal anecdotes played a significant role in shaping the Victorian hagiography of Livingstone, positioning him as a figure of endurance, scientific curiosity, and moral rectitude.