References
“Prolific as the last year has been in fine books, it has produced no two volumes more splendid than this edition by the Harper’s of Du Chaillu’s ‘Land of the Midnight Sun.’ Perfect in typography, however, gorgeous in illustration as they are, the volumes are no more than in keeping with the rare interest and wealth of their contents. Mr. Du Chaillu, though of Caucasian parentage, was born in Africa, where, on attaining his manhood, he made such wonderful explorations and discoveries that it was not until after his accounts of them had been published, and their truth had been largely attested by other travelers, that the world consented to believe them. Then, however, it was ready enough to do him every honor.
That a man reared under the burning sun of Africa, whose physique had proved itself superior to the hazards of equatorial travel, should be seized by a fancy to put it to the severer test of a residence in the very dominion of Old Boreas, seems like foolhardiness; yet our hero not only spent five winters (as well as summers) in Scandinavia, but came out of the ordeal in enviable health.
His work was issued several months ago, simultaneously in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, England and the United States, an honor, we venture to say, accorded to no other book in this century; and having thus passed the gauntlet of a world-wide criticism, and being everywhere received with enthusiasm, it only remains for us to echo the general verdict in pronouncing it a work of the rarest interest and merit.”
– The Ottawa Free Trader, Ottawa, Illinois, 24 Dec 1881
