Ep 2. The Lost Diary of Dr. Livingstone

In "Secrets of the Dead" season 13 episode 2, titled "The Lost Diary of Dr. Livingstone," viewers are taken on a historical journey as the show explores the life and legacy of Dr. David Livingstone - a legendary explorer, missionary, and anti-slavery campaigner - through the discovery of his long-lost diary.

In the mid-19th century, Dr. Livingstone (1813-1873) was a celebrated figure in Britain as one of the most famous explorers of his time, having spent much of his life traversing the African continent and mapping uncharted territories. Livingstone was driven by a deep sense of adventure and a desire to explore and document the unknown, but also by a humanitarian mission to fight against the slave trade which ravaged many parts of Africa at the time. He was hailed as a hero when he crossed the African continent from west to east, becoming the first European to do so.

However, in 1865, Livingstone vanished in the heart of Africa while searching for the source of the Nile River. Reports of his disappearance sparked a massive search effort, with journalists, explorers, and even the British government trying to find out what had happened to the famous explorer. In 1871, Livingstone was finally found by journalist Henry Morton Stanley, who famously greeted him with the now-famous phrase "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" The two men spent several months together, during which time Livingstone shared his remarkable tales of exploration and discovery.

In this episode of "Secrets of the Dead," viewers learn about a major new discovery related to Livingstone's adventures: his long-lost diary from his final expedition to Africa. The diary was found in a collection of papers belonging to Livingstone's family in the late 20th century, but for years it remained largely overlooked and undervalued. It was only through the efforts of Livingstone scholar Adrian Wisnicki, who recognized the significance of the diary, that it was given the attention it deserved.

The diary sheds new light on Livingstone's final expedition, in which he sought to trace the course of the Lualaba River in central Africa and explore its potential for trade and commerce. The diary reveals many intimate details about Livingstone's experiences, including his struggles with illness, his encounters with local people and wildlife, and his reflections on his life's work. Through readings from the diary and interviews with experts, viewers get a sense of Livingstone's personality, his motivations, and the challenges he faced on his expedition.

The episode also explores the broader context of Livingstone's legacy, both in Africa and in Britain. Livingstone's anti-slavery campaign and his belief in the value of promoting trade and commerce as a means of improving African economies and lives were highly influential in shaping British attitudes towards Africa in the late 19th century. However, there are also criticisms of Livingstone's legacy, particularly in his promotion of Christian evangelism as part of his mission in Africa. Viewers hear from experts on both sides of the debate, and are encouraged to form their own opinions on Livingstone's complicated legacy.

Overall, "The Lost Diary of Dr. Livingstone" is an engaging and informative episode of "Secrets of the Dead," bringing to life the remarkable story of one of history's most famous explorers through a new and exciting discovery. Viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation of Livingstone's life and work, and the complex forces that shaped his legacy in Africa and beyond.