Program

Digital Humanities: Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants

Period of Performance

5/1/2010 - 10/31/2011

Funding Totals

$50,000.00 (approved)
$50,000.00 (awarded)


THE NYANGWE DIARY OF DAVID LIVINGSTONE: RESTORING THE TEXT

FAIN: HD-51042-10

Early Manuscripts Electronic Library (Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274-4182)
Adrian Wisnicki (Project Director: October 2009 to February 2012)

Creation of a digital image archive and online scholarly edition of David Livingtone's Nyangwe field diary (1871) by adapting imaging technology originally pioneered with medieval parchment palimpsests.

This project will build on imaging technology pioneered with medieval parchment palimpsests to create a digital image archive and online scholarly edition of the Nyangwe field diary (1871) of the celebrated Victorian explorer David Livingstone. Although in a fragile, nearly illegible state, the paper diary is of immense historical value because it details the circumstances leading up to Livingstone's famous meeting with Henry Stanley in November 1871, and because it records Livingstone's response to a massacre of the local African population by Arab slave traders' an event that would become a rallying point for late-Victorian abolitionists. Our project will seek to develop technology for the preservation of the diary and recovery of its faded text, and create a model for scholar-scientist collaboration. Our work will make Livingstone's diary accessible to scholars and non-specialists worldwide and produce a template for the display of similar records of Victorian travel and exploration.



Media Coverage

Radio Interview (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: ABC Radio Australia
Date: 11/14/2011
Abstract: Radio Interview

Restored: Fading Account From the Heart of Africa.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Henry Fountain
Publication: New York Times
Date: 11/8/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/science/restored-livingstones-fading-notes-from-africa.html?_r=1&ref=science

“South Lanarkshire volunteers and councillors get an insight into David Livingstone.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Gillian Provan
Publication: STV
Date: 11/7/2011
Abstract: Television Coverage
URL: http://local.stv.tv/hamilton/news/27028-south-lanarkshire-volunteers-and-councillors-get-an-insight-into-david-livingstone/

“Descifran diario de David Livingstone que contradice su histórica imagen.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Patricio Lazcano
Publication: La Tercera (Chile)
Date: 11/6/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://papeldigital.info/lt/index.html?2011110601#

Radio Interview (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: “Moncrieff with Sean Moncrieff,” Newstalk Radio Ireland
Date: 11/8/2011
Abstract: Radio Interview

“Livingstone's hand in slave massacre.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Marea Donnely
Publication: The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
Date: 11/4/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article

“Dr. Livingstone, I Presume? Decoding an Explorer’s Personal Papers.” (Media Coverage)
Publication: The Explorers Journal
Date: 9/1/2011
Abstract: Short article.

"Secrets of Livingstone’s Last Letter Finally Revealed.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Date: 7/2/2011
Abstract: Television News Coverage
URL: http://news.stv.tv/scotland/185283-secrets-of-livingstones-last-letter-finally-revealed/

“David Livingstone's 'Lost Letter' Deciphered.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: BBC News
Date: 7/2/2010
Abstract: Television News Coverage
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10459263

“David Livingstone's Last Letters Deciphered.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jenny Percival
Publication: The Guardian
Date: 7/2/2010
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jul/02/david-livingstone-last-letters-deciphered

“Researchers Reveal Dr Livingstone's Darkest Hour Through Lost Letters (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: Birkbeck, University of London
Date: 7/2/2010
Abstract: University Newspaper article. Includes link to full press pack.
URL: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/news/news-releases/researchers-reveal-dr-livingstones-darkest-hour-through-lost-letters

Short Radio Feature (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: BBC Radio Scotland
Date: 7/1/2010
Abstract: Short Radio Feature
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sw6cr

“Archive Watch: Dr. Livingstone's Diary, I Presume.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jennifer Howard
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education: Wired Campus.
Date: 5/3/2010
Abstract: Blog Posting
URL: http://chronicle.com/blogPost/Archive-Watch-Dr/23677/

Short TV Documentary (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: “London Tonight,” ITV
Date: 7/19/2010
Abstract: Short Television Documentary on the oldest commercial television network in the UK.

The Private Thoughts of Dr Livingstone, I Presume.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: The Independent
Date: 7/3/2010
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-private-thoughts-of-dr-livingstone-i-presume-2017249.html

“Shedding Light on History: Scientists Decipher Dr. Livingstone’s Last letters.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Aussian Cramb
Publication: Daily Telegraph
Date: 7/3/2010
Abstract: Newspaper Article

“David Livingstone Letter Deciphered At Last.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Raphael Satter
Publication: Associated Press
Date: 7/2/2010
Abstract: Newspaper Article (AP) carried by over 140 print and online news outlets around the world
URL: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=11071708

“Dear diary, I am sick to death . . . David Livingstone.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Andy Coghlan
Publication: New Scientist
Date: 7/2/2010
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19119

“From the Congo in Berry Juice, David Livingstone’s Last Letters Come to Light.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Mike Wade
Publication: The Times
Date: 7/2/2010
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/scotland/article2583818.ece

Shedding New Light on Dr Livingstone's Diary.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Vic Rodrick
Publication: Daily Mail (London)
Date: 5/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article

Radio News Feature (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: “Click On,” BBC Radio 4
Date: 4/18/2011
Abstract: Short Radio Documentary
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010dk1z

“Livingstone in a New Light.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Anna Maria Gillis
Publication: Humanities Magazine 31:5
Date: 9/10/2010
Abstract: Journal Article
URL: http://www.neh.gov/news/humanities/2010-09/Livingstone.html

"The Secret Files: Out of Africa.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: Holland Herrald
Date: 9/1/2010
Abstract: Magazine Article in the monthly in-flight magazine of KLM Airlines, with an estimated global readership of 1.25 million people.
URL: http://holland-herald.com/2010/09/the-secret-files/

“The Dark Side of Dr Livingstone: A Fascinating New Letter Casts the Great Explorer in a Very Different Light.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Annabel Venning
Publication: Daily Mail (London)
Date: 7/29/2010
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1298546/Dark-Dr-David-Livingstone-New-letter-casts-explorer-different-light.html

“Held mit Depression: Forscher entschlüsseln privaten Brief des Afrikareisenden David Livingstone.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Irene Meichsner
Publication: Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger Magazin 24/25
Date: 7/1/2010
Abstract: Journal Article
URL: http://www.ksta.de/html/

“Experts shed light on David Livingstone massacre diary.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Anon.
Publication: BBC News
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Television News Coverage
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-15536564

“Explorer David Livingstone's diary unveiled for the first time.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Anon.
Publication: STV
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Article and Video Broadcast
URL: http://news.stv.tv/scotland/east-central/277152-explorers-diary-unveiled-for-the-first-time/

“Out of paper I presume Doctor Livingstone?" (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Laura Cummings
Publication: Evening News (Edinburgh)
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/edinburgh/around-the-capital/scientists_work_looks_set_to_rewrite_history_of_famous_scots_explorer_1_1941086

“Dear diary, 400 slaves slaughtered.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jen Lavery
Publication: Metro (UK)
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article

“Newly deciphered diary muddles Livingstone legend.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Raphael Satter
Publication: Associated Press
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article (AP)carried by over 150 media sites worldwide
URL: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iEVeAhLGODJiVWWntkV1r35NJdBw?docId=24ad19e8b623415bb87e25b612506707

“Dr. Livingstone’s diary on 19th-century Africa, now uncensored.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Mark Schrope
Publication: Washington Post
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Articl
URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/dr-livingstones-diary-on-19th-century-africa-now-uncensored/2011/10/31/gIQAUsB2aM_story.html

“Dr. Livingstone, not quite the saint we presumed.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Mike Wade
Publication: The Times
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3213300.ece

TV News feature (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: BBC TV
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Televised News Coverage
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b016qxg4/Reporting_Scotland_01_11_2011/

"Livingstone Diary" (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: Deadline News
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Video Broadcast
URL: http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2011/11/01/livingstone-diary/

Radio Interview (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: BBC RAdio Scotland
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Radio Interview
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b016lw5l

Radio Interview (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: CBC Radio
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Radio Interview
URL: http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/

“Dagboek David Livingstone ontcijferd.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): N/A
Publication: Radio 1 (Begium)
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Radio Interview
URL: http://www.radio1.be/programmas/nieuwe-feiten/dagboek-david-livingstone-ontcijferd

“Livingstone Slave Horror Revealed.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): George Mair
Publication: Daily Record
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2011/11/02/horror-of-scots-explorer-david-livingstone-at-slave-massacre-uncovered-in-lost-diary-86908-23532303/

“Dr. Livingstone's lost diary text, I presume.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Chris Marshall
Publication: The Scotsman
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.scotsman.com/news/education/livingstone_s_lost_diary_text_i_presume_1_1942190

“Livingstone’s account of slave massacre revealed.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Phil Miller
Publication: The Herald (Glasgow)
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/livingstone-s-account-of-slave-massacre-revealed-1.1132529?localLinksEnabled=false

“Slave secret of Dr. Livingstone.” (Media Coverage)
Publication: The Express
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/281199

“Dr Livingstone, not quite the saint we presumed.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Rhys Blakely
Publication: The Times
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3213300.ece

“Dr Livingstone lied, scientists presume: Spectral imaging uncovers discrepancies in explorer's account of slave massacre.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Simon Tomlinson
Publication: Daily Mail (Online)
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Online Newspaper Artcle
URL: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2056528/David-Livingstone-Discrepancies-explorers-account-Zanzibar-slave-massacre.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

“New light shed on adventurer Henry Morton Stanley suggests he may have helped end brutal slave trade.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Darren Devine
Publication: Wales Online
Date: 11/3/2011
Abstract: Online News Aticle
URL: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/11/03/new-light-shed-on-adventurer-henry-morton-stanley-suggests-he-may-have-helped-end-brutal-slave-trade-91466-29710773/

“Now we can see Livingstone's African diary in a new light.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Sarah Bruce
Publication: Scottish Daily Mail
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspper Article

“Explorer's 140-year-old diary made legible by scientists.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Lucinda Cameron
Publication: The Irish News
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article

“Paper scans unmask Livingstone's fury at slave killing.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Andy Coghlan
Publication: New Scientist
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21115-paper-scans-unmask-livingstones-fury-at-slave-killing.html

“Why we may be wrong to presume Dr Livingstone was a hero.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Auslan Cramb
Publication: The Daily Telegraph
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Nwspaper Article

“Description of massacre provoked outrage in Parliament.” (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Ben Macintyre
Publication: The Times
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Newspaper Article
URL: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3213317.ece



Associated Products

Livingstone's 1871 Field Diary: A Multispectral Critical Edition (Web Resource)
Title: Livingstone's 1871 Field Diary: A Multispectral Critical Edition
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki (Project Director)
Abstract: Critical Edition with spectral images of Livingstone's 1871 Field Diary.
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://livingstone.library.ucla.edu/1871diary/

Livingstone Spectral Image Archive (Web Resource)
Title: Livingstone Spectral Image Archive
Author: Livingstone Spectral Imaging Project
Abstract: Archive of high-resolutions TIFF, metadata, and XML transcriptions of David Livingstone's 1870 and 1871 Field Diaries.
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://livingstone.library.ucla.edu/livingstone_archive/

The State of the Art of Imaging Technology for Manuscripts. (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: The State of the Art of Imaging Technology for Manuscripts.
Author: Roger L. Easton, Jr.
Abstract: Conference Paper, presented at the Plenary Session of the “Annual Meeting of Medieval Academy of America,” MAA Committee on Centers and Regional Associations (CARA), Tempe, AZ, 15 April 2011.
Date: 04/15/2011
Conference Name: Annual Meeting of Medieval Academy of America

Reading Between the Lines, Application of Imaging Technology to Historical Documents. (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Reading Between the Lines, Application of Imaging Technology to Historical Documents.
Author: Roger L. Easton, Jr.
Abstract: Presentation at the Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, 18 April 2011
Date: 04/18/2011

Darkest Africa, recycled paper and home-made ink: retrieving the text of David Livingstone's unpublished final diary 1870-73. (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Darkest Africa, recycled paper and home-made ink: retrieving the text of David Livingstone's unpublished final diary 1870-73.
Author: Debbie Harrison
Abstract: Presentation at a seminar of the “Material Texts Network,” Birkbeck College, London, 27 January 2011.
Date: 01/27/2011
Conference Name: Material Texts Network

Destruction and recreation in Darkest Africa: The strange case of David Livingstone’s unpublished final diaries 1870-73. (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Destruction and recreation in Darkest Africa: The strange case of David Livingstone’s unpublished final diaries 1870-73.
Author: Debbie Harrison
Abstract: Conference paper, presented at the “Book Destruction: Burning, Pulping, Eating, Cutting ...” conference, Senate House, London, 16 April 2011
Date: 04/16/2011
Conference Name: Book Destruction: Burning, Pulping, Eating, Cutting ...

Recovery of handwritten text from the diaries and papers of David Livingstone. (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Recovery of handwritten text from the diaries and papers of David Livingstone.
Author: Keith Knox
Abstract: Conference paper, presented at the “Computer Vision and Image Analysis of Art II” conference, IS&T/SPIE Electronic Imaging Symposium, San Francisco, 23-27 January 2011.
Date: 01/23/2011
Conference Name: Computer Vision and Image Analysis of Art II

“Dr. Livingstone’s Diary, I Presume?” (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: “Dr. Livingstone’s Diary, I Presume?”
Abstract: Public presentations at National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh, 1 Nov. 2011; David Livingstone Centre, Blantyre, Scotland, 3 Nov. 2011; Birkbeck, University of London, 5 Nov. 2011. Presentation to staff at Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, 4 Nov. 2011.
Author: Livingstone Spectral Imaging Team
Date: 11/1/2011
Location: Edinburgh; Blantyre; Oxford; London

Conrad, Livingstone, and the Production of Victorian Colonial Discourse (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Conrad, Livingstone, and the Production of Victorian Colonial Discourse
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki
Abstract: Job talk, presented to the Department of Liberal Arts, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA, 10 May, 2011
Date: 05/10/2011

The Nyangwe Diary of David Livingstone (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: The Nyangwe Diary of David Livingstone
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki
Abstract: Paper included in Open Annotation Collaboration Workshop, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illini Center, Chicago, 24-25 March,2011
Date: 03/24/2011
Conference Name: Open Annotation Collaboration Workshop

When Exploraton Failed: or, How the Victorians Came to Invent a Continent of Darkness (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: When Exploraton Failed: or, How the Victorians Came to Invent a Continent of Darkness
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki
Abstract: Job talk presented to the Department of English, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 1 March 2011
Date: 03/01/2011

When Exploration Failed: or, How the Victorians Came to Invent a Continent of Darkness (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: When Exploration Failed: or, How the Victorians Came to Invent a Continent of Darkness
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki
Abstract: Job talk presented to the Department of English, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 28 January 2011
Date: 01/28/2011

Field Notes of Empire from the Lualaba River (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Field Notes of Empire from the Lualaba River
Author: Ardian S. Wisnicki
Abstract: Presented at the "Victorian Seminar," City University of New York, 6 December, 2010
Date: 12/06/2010
Conference Name: Victorian Seminar

The Neyangwe Diary of David Livingstone: Restoring the Text (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: The Neyangwe Diary of David Livingstone: Restoring the Text
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki
Abstract: "Lighting Round" presentation at the "2010 Project Directors Meeting" at the National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington D.C., 28 September 2010
Date: 09/28/2010
Conference Name: "2010 Project Directors Meeting"

Nyangwe and the Problem of Victorian Geography (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Nyangwe and the Problem of Victorian Geography
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki
Abstract: Presented at "'Traveling South': The Sixth Conference of the International Society for Travel Writing," University of South Carolina, Columbia, 23-26 September 2010
Date: 09/23/2010
Conference Name: "'Traveling South': The Sixth Conference of the International Society for Travel Writing"

Spectral Imaging David Livingstone's 1870-71 Field Diary (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Spectral Imaging David Livingstone's 1870-71 Field Diary
Abstract: Public lecture at the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh, 2 July 2010
Author: Adrian S. Wisnicki
Date: 07/2/2010
Location: National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh