River of the Gods: Genius, Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile

After a disastrous first expedition to find the source of the White Nile, why do you think Burton took Speke as his second-in-command for the second expedition? Do you think their fallout was inevitable? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast Burton and Speke’s leadership styles and characters. How were the two men different or similar? Who was the most effective leader? How and why?

Speke’s contributions to one of the most tantalizing questions in history (the Nile river’s source) remains largely forgotten, especially in comparison to the role Burton played in helping unravel this mystery. What does this say about the dangers of exploration, fame, and/or obsession? What factors have shaped Burton and Speke’s differing reputations and legacies?

Speke espoused a theory known as the “Hamitic Myth,” which claimed that a Caucasian subgroup was responsible for any successes in African history. Research this myth and its impact. How did the Hamitic Myth feed racial prejudices in the 19th and 20th centuries? How did it relate to ideas about imperialism?

Compare the experiences of Burton and/or Speke with that of another famous explorer. How were their experiences different or similar? What do these comparisons reveal about the nature of exploration more generally?

In the 19th century, non-European cartography and perspectives were largely discounted by Europeans. How did this impact European expeditions in Africa, the Americas, and Asia? Does this discounting of non-Western viewpoints still occur today? Provide evidence to support your argument.

How has exploration changed since the 19th century? What factors or elements of exploration remain the same?

Do you think there was a winner in Speke and Burton’s rivalry? Why or why not?