On the Threshold of Central Africa: A record of Twenty Years' Pioneering Among the Barotsi of the Upper Zambesi

translated from the French and . With forty-four illustrations, etc.

Published by Hodder and Stoughton, 1897, hardcover, illustrated, index, 662 pages, librarry binding, ex reference library book with usual stamps & labels, otherwise condition: very good.

The author, François Coillard, was a French missionary who worked for the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society in southern Africa.From 1886 until 1891 Coillard worked to establish strong mission stations at various locations in Barotseland: Sesheke, Lealui, and Sefula. In an attempt to strengthen his grip on the kingship, Lewanika enlisted Coillard's assistance in negotiating for a British protectorate to be declared over Barotseland, similar to the one that had recently been extended over neighbouring Bechuanaland. However, the king and the missionary misunderstood the connections between the British crown and the British South Africa Company (BSAC) of Cecil Rhodes. Lewanika and Coillard were gradually entangled in a web of intrigue, which resulted in the signing of the Lochner Concession, which assigned the Lozi kingdom to the BSAC's domains on 27 June 1890. During the first seven years after signing the Concession, the BSAC failed to make any of its promised annual payments of £2000 or to provide any of the educational assistance that it had pledged to Lewanika.