Born October 13, 1862,
Cambridge, England
Died June 3, 1900,
Simontown, South Africa

Mary Kingsley was born in Cambridge, England, on October 13, 1862, into a prominent British family. Her father, George, was a doctor and the younger brother of the well-known writers Charles and Henry Kingsley; Charles was the author of the popular children’s book The Water Babies. As a child, and even as a young woman, Mary Kingsley did not have the opportunities enjoyed by other members of her family. Although her parents spared no expense in educating her younger brother, they refused to provide formal schooling for her. Like many girls of that era, she was taught to read at home and then was allowed free use of the family library.

Secluded childhood

At an early age Kingsley was forced to take charge of the household. Her father, who frequently traveled abroad, was rarely home and her...