Written by Paul du Chaillu, the explorer who was the first outsider to confirm the existence of the Pygmy people of central Africa and of the gorilla-both of which had only been rumoured at before-this book is a dramatic and continually enthralling account of a nearly seven-year long exploration of West and Central Africa in the 1860s. Commissioned by the Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia, the author was sent to West Africa and the equator region on that continent in order to establish the nature of the population and the wildlife, which was little known before that time. During his explorations, he became the first outsider to see and capture gorillas, the existence of which was only known from a passing reference in a work by Hanno the Navigator of Carthage dating from the 5th century BC. In addition, Du Chaillu thoroughly documented the native peoples of the regions he explored, recording their customs, dress, habits, technology, and culture. In this manner he also came upon the Pygmy people of central Africa and was the first to document their existence and announce it to the outside world. Du Chaillu's work remains a pioneering effort in exploratory anthropology and has lost none of its vitality or interest over the years. It remains a primary resource for anyone seeking an in-depth insight into pre-colonial and pre-urban West and Central Africa. This new edition has been completely reset and contains all the original illustrations, digitally reproduced to the highest possible quality.