American-born author, explorer, and special correspondent for the New York Herald (1841–1904). He entered the annals of popular quotation with his famous inquiry, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?,” upon finding David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and fellow explorer who had become lost in the wilds of Zanzibar. AQS on an off-white 7.5 x 4.75 album page. Stanley channels a mix of Shakespeare and Longfellow as he quotes: “Joy lies in the doing, And the rapture of pursuing, Is the prize.” Signed underneath, “Henry M. Stanley, April 14th, 1891.” Light block of toning over most of the quote, otherwise fine condition.
The Shakespearean quote beautifully sums up Stanley’s philosophy toward life, and must surely have roots in his adventure of a lifetime: the search for Livingstone. For several years, Stanley had lobbied his employer, the New York Herald, to search for the missing explorer in Africa, in the hope that locating would bring the writer a certain degree of fame of fortune. His 700-mile expedition eventually set out in 1871. After eight months he found Livingstone and made his well-known greeting. The same day he signed this quotation, Stanley was in New York City to be interviewed on the effects of a 240-mile railway along the Congo River, which he said would open the area to trade and settlement. One can only imagine if it was during this meeting that the reporter or perhaps a nearby observer imposed upon Stanley to share his philosophy. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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