The Eyes of Another Race: Roger Casement's Congo Report and 1903 Diary [Paperback]

Roger Casement (Author), Seamas O Siochain (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1900621991 | ISBN-13: 978-1900621991 | Publication Date: May 13, 2004

In 1903, Roger Casement, then a British consul, left his consular base on the Lower Congo River and made a journey through the regions of the Upper Congo to investigate at first hand reports of alleged atrocities. His subsequent report was a crucial instrument in the British government's efforts to bring about change in King Leopold's Congo Free State. This edition brings together Casement's report, together with his diary of that year, which have been carefully edited for publication. Names which were omitted from the original published report have been reinstated, and explanatory notes have been provided to report and diary. The editors' introduction addresses the scramble for Africa, the role of Leopold and the Congo Free State, Britain and the Congo question, Casement's career, publication of the report and the humanitarian campaign, 1904-13.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The diary given here makes many improvements on the Singleton-Gates edition in deciphering and identifying many words, passages and references. Extensive notes." Books Ireland Feb 2004 "An intelligent introduction and copious notes to each chapter render the report accessible to the modern reader, and the inclusion of photographs of the principal characters further helps to enliven the narrative." Bookview Ireland March 2004 "History Ireland readers will be familiar with the ongoing debate...on the authenticity or otherwise of Roger Casement's 'Black Diaries'. While conclusion may never be arrived at to the satisfaction of all the debate's protagonists, one of the welcome side-effects of the controversy is that it has focused attention increasingly on the man's career, particularly as a great humanitarian." History Ireland Summer 2004 "Although Casement's career as a whole remains controversial, his work in the Congo and his cooperation with local missionaries helped greatly in bringing colonial atrocities there to a much wider audience. This book is therefore welcome as an easily accessible resource for all those interested in these events." International Bulletin of Missionary Research Vol 29, No 4 2005

Product Details

• Paperback: 366 pages
• Publisher: Univ College Dublin Pr (May 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900621991
• ISBN-13: 978-1900621991
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,283,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Travel > Africa > Democratic Republic of Congo
  • #96 in Books > History > Africa > Democratic Republic of Congo

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In Darkest Africa: Casement's Report on the Congo, March 17, 2007

By 

Philip W. Henry (Rialto, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Eyes of Another Race: Roger Casement's Congo Report and 1903 Diary (Paperback)

Roger Casement's Congo Report (1903)

"The people have not easily accommodated themselves to the altered condition of life brought about by European government in their midst...Complaints as to the manner of exacting service are . . frequent . . . If the local official has to go on a sudden journey men are summoned on the instant to paddle his canoe, and a refusal entails imprisonment or a beating. If the Government plantation or the kitchen garden require weeding, a soldier will be sent to call in the women from some of the neighboring towns. . .; to the women suddenly forced to leave their household tasks and to tramp off, hoe in hand, baby on back, with possibly a hungry and angry husband at home, the task is not a welcome one."

Roger Casement's Congo report, 1903

Roger Casement was Britain's Consul-General in the Congo when he received orders to investigate reports of mistreatment of Congolese Natives by agents of Belgian King Leopold II.

Casement pursued these reports, and found ample evidence of atrocities, including the mutilation and cutting off of hands of Slaves who didn't pull their weight.
Casement's reports back to London helped seal the fate of Leopold's empire.
At the same time, Casement himself was being demonized for the so-called "Black Diaries" which purported to show homosexual propensities.
After his arrest, Scotland Yard found the diaries in Casement's home and copied them...distributing them to his political enemies in an attempt to discredit his Congo Report.
As World War I approached, Casement became an ardent proponent of Irish nationalism. He believed that Germany posed a potential answer to the Irish Question, and allied himself with the Axis. That misguided allegiance resulted in his trial and execution for Treason.
Casement's legacy was the public exposure of the villainy of colonialism; and his tragedy was his personal life; which had little to do with his professionalism and much to do with his reputation.