My African Journey

As Undersecretary of State for the Colonies, Winston S. Churchill toured Britain's territories in East Africa. This book documents his travels and the people he met; he waxes lyrical on the natural beauty of Uganda and goes on to explore Egypt and Sudan via the White Nile. More than a travelogue however, Churchill turns his attention towards issues of government and development, suggesting that the best way to tap the latent wealth of East Africa was the development of the railway system. His ruminations on settlement, race and government provide an intriguing insight into contemporary imperialism and African history.

My African Journey describes Winston Churchill's journey up the Uganda Railroad. Churchill was the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies when he undertook the journey of East Africa in 1907. He gives wonderful descriptions of the countryside and meetings with local tribes, and provides an authentic look into late colonial attitudes.

My African Journey describes Winston Churchill's journey up the Uganda Railroad. Churchill was the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies when he undertook the journey of East Africa in 1907. He gives wonderful descriptions of the countryside and meetings with local tribes, and provides an authentic look into late colonial attitudes.

As Under Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1907, Winston S. Churchill toured Britain's territories in East Africa. My African Journey, first published in 1908, documents his travels and the people he met; he waxes lyrical on the natural beauty of Uganda and goes on to explore Egypt and Sudan via the White Nile. More than a travelogue however, Churchill, now in his 30s, turns his attention towards issues of government and development, suggesting that the best way to tap the latent wealth of East Africa was the development of the railway system. His thoughts on settlement, race and government provide an intriguing insight into contemporary imperialism and African history and fascinating reading for both Churchill enthusiasts and those interested in the historical relationship between Britain and its colonies towards the end of the British Empire.

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Acknowledging all Churchill's other accolades, we tend to overlook his claims as a writer of travel. A fine example is at hand in MY AFRICAN JOURNEY, the story of his 1908 excursion in Kenya and Uganda. Churchill's description of the East Africa of nearly a century ago makes an interesting comparison with today. The feeling of innocence and charm in the tribes he meets is now lost; the animals he hunts, decimated; the countryside through which he travels, pastoral no more. But Churchill could never be just a traveler, so he notes dozens of opportunities for improvement--many subsequently adopted. Fascinating to sojourn with the young Wilson, then in his early 30's, and feel the developing insight and judgment that one day would literally save the world.

In the early years of the 20th Century, Winston Churchill served as Undersecretary of State for the Colonies. During this time, he lobbied for permission to tour and inspect Britain's holdings in East Africa. This book is a travelogue of sorts, documenting Churchill's trip, the people he met, and his thoughts on how Britain might work to improve the lives of East African people under her rule.