King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild

This is a very good book which shows vividly the horrors of colonialism. It seems to me to avoid the twin dangers of historical revisionism and romanticism. The point is well made that the historical record is largely colonial, since the early Africans didn't write. Nevertheless, the African view is painfully easy to see. The severed hands say it all.

The best chapter of this book, in my view, is a discussion of Conrad and his experience in Congo and his later novel, Heart of Darkness. It is amazing how clearly this serves as a window, through a European eye, to see what really was going on.

Livingston seems well-sketched. Stanley is surely better than described, and receives more than his share of psychoanalysis.

Leopold's sanity is questionable. He seems very interesting, very complex, and drawn in detail. The author really makes a good case that Belgium's Congo policy is a result of Leopold's actions and drive. Certainly others were willing to comply and bear partial responsibility. It is interesting that Leopold could pose as anti-slavery yet hold an entire country in virtual slavery.

A couple of amazing black Americans play roles in the book and add much interest.

Conrad saw things clearly and described their essence. His experience in the "dark continent" was life-changing.