African American Travelogue 1895 Africa Black Author Charles Smith Travel

Description

Glimpses of Africa . .
Author:
Smith, C[harles] S[pencer]
Title:
Glimpses of Africa . .
Publication:
Nashville, Tenn. Publishing House A.M.E. Church Sunday School Union, 1895
Description:
8" x 5½". Blue cloth, title gilt. Pp. 288.. Very good: rear board with light paint splotches; lower inner margin of each leaf with a light crease; a few owner notations.
Inscribed
by the author to W.A. Hunton on the first blank page.
This is a travelogue of a late nineteenth century journey to Africa written by an African American minister and educator, C.S. Smith. Part historical treatise, part personal diary, the book relates information and observations about Africa with a focus on European colonization.
Charles Spencer Smith was born in Canada in 1852 and moved to the United States after the Civil War. He taught school under the Freedman's Bureau in Kentucky and Mississippi and became a minister for the A.M.E. Church. He relocated to a pastorate in Alabama and became active in politics, serving in the state House of Representatives from 1874 to 1876. In 1882 Smith founded the Sunday School Union of the A.M.E. Church and was later elected bishop. He led multiple A.M.E. conferences, some of which included work in Africa. He also wrote numerous pamphlets and a noted history of the A.M.E. Church.
In the book's preface, Smith provided his reasons for the journey, including
"to gratify a long-cherished desire to see Africa"
and to see for himself what Europeans, as well as the
"African himself,"
were doing on the continent. He also wished
"to make some meteorological observations"
and to see if there was any need in Africa for
"the skill and energy of intelligent and industrious young Americans of African descent."
The book is about evenly divided into two parts,
"Preliminary Statements"
and
"Personal Memoranda."
In the first section, Smith related a history of European attempts to colonize and dominate the African continent, and noted that:
"During my meanderings along the West and Southwest Coast of Africa and in its rivers, I was keenly observant of the present position of the several European Powers, wherever their unfurled flags betokened their supremacy. I confess that I had not the remotest idea that the European was so well entrenched in his African Possessions as I found him to be."
One chapter was dedicated to
"The African in Africa,"
including Smith's observations of various tribes, as well as images depicting
"civilized," "semi-civilized,"
and
"uncivilized"
natives. Smith was also surprised to learn that Africa did not, in fact, need the assistance of
"educated and industrious young Americans - the descendants of her own sons!"
Rather,
"the supply of intelligent natives, fitted for professional and clerical service, and for the skilled industries, is greater than the demand."
Smith opined:
"It seems to me the height of folly for persons to leave their native land and go to any country with the hope of bettering their condition, unless they have a reasonable assurance before leaving that their condition can thereby be improved. My advice to young Americans of African descent is to prepare themselves for a manful struggle for existence and well-being in the land of their birth."
The book's second section comprised a remarkably detailed daily log of the author's journey. The entries include personal thoughts and opinions as well as historical narrative and scientific data. Smith met with members of African royalty, discussing topics of European colonization and American slavery. He noted his observations and interactions with European missionaries and businessmen as well as native Africans. He pointed out various European developments as well as an area where
"little, if anything, has been done to civilize and elevate the natives. Slavery prevails in and around this place, and the natives are largely held in subjection as beasts of burden."
Also of note are the book's 70 great photographic images. These include scenic views as well as images of African natives such as soldiers, teachers, photographers and a medicine man. There are shots of schools, churches and other buildings, as well as implements of war, domestic articles and other
"curios."
There is also a map depicting the route of Smith's journey, as well as one showing the
"political divisions"
of Africa. We learn that Smith's voyage was an unabashed success, returning home
"after an absence of 147 days, during which I traveled 2,500 miles by land and 18,500 miles by sea, without meeting with a storm, or even a squall, and without a single mishap of any kind."
This copy was inscribed by the author to Mr. W.A. Hunton. In 1888, William Alphaeus Hunton founded the YMCA's department for African Americans. We have previously handled a book on Hunton written by his wife, Addie, who worked as a secretary for the YWCA and toured the United States recruiting other Black women. She was also a leading suffragist and an organizer for the National Association of Colored Women. Her book covered Hunton's service as a public school teacher as well as with the government of Ottawa before going into the depths of his efforts and accomplishments in 25 years of working for the YMCA.
A rich and detailed travelogue and exposé of European colonization in Africa, written by an African American who got to experience it firsthand. OCLC shows 25 copies over two entries. Very good.
Seller ID:
7110
Subject:
Africa, African Americana
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