WILLIAM STAMPS CHERRY, an American, was the first white man to explore the heart of Africa during the years 1896 to 1900 when the French and the British were colonizing the continent. He traveled alone on foot for three years among the natives, who liked him very much, after one year serving as a civilian marine engineer for the French, and he witnessed scenes so bizarre that to attempt to describe any of them here would be pointless. This book is referred to as 'the explorer's report,' and it includes more than 75 original photographs taken by the explorer that have not been seen in more than 100 years. William Stamps Cherry was celebrated as an explorer second only to Henry Stanley, and he was responsible for 'turning on the light' in Africa where no outsider had ever been before. Follow him as he makes his way through the bush in Central Africa and into lands with villages, natives, and an abundance of wildlife never before heard of, and join him on the rivers he discovered and mapped at the turn of the century in a place larger than the state of Illinois that is located in what is now called the Central African Republic. Cherry's on-the-ground personal observations and experiences in the heart of this incredible country provides the historical context for this country's horrific situation that continues to take place there today. You can discover even more about Mr. Cherry at www.williamstampscherry.com.