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 Chiefly from His Unpublished Journals and Correspondence in the Possession of His Family

Published in 1880, this biography was written by William Garden Blaikie shortly after the death of the famous Scottish explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. Blaikie was commissioned by Livingstone's family to produce a definitive account, utilizing personal journals and private correspondence that had never been shared with the public. The work was intended to provide a more intimate and nuanced perspective on Livingstone's character and religious motivations than earlier, more sensationalized accounts of his African expeditions.

The design and narrative approach of the text reflect the Victorian tradition of the 'authorized biography,' prioritizing moral edification and scholarly thoroughness. Blaikie focused on contextualizing Livingstone’s humanitarian struggles, particularly his opposition to the slave trade, to solidify the subject’s legacy as a national hero. Upon release, the volume was well-received by contemporary critics and historians for its transparency and primary source documentation, remaining a foundational text for those studying the history of British exploration in Central Africa.