If you are looking for an introduction to the Congo that mixes travelogue with history this would be an excellent choice. The 鶹.com description gives a good summary of the details. I found myself reading tens of pages at a time, looking forward to when I could pick it up again. With reference to the reviewer who thought it was dull... well, I don't think Tim was trying to write a "thriller" ...And as far as the author not doing the whole tip "on his own," well, I believe Morton Stanley had a whole entourage! Anyway, definitely worth reading.