by Adam Hochchild, Macmillan Publishing, Papermac £ 12. 366 pages and includes Bibliography, Index, Notes, Maps, Photos and Illustrations.

I got this copy in Waterstone's at Gatwick Airport but know that it is available in the US. The subtitle gives it all away: "A Story of Greed, Terror and Heroism in Colonial Africa." I'm not sure where the heroism comes in after reading the book. I would assume that it relates to those who originally conquered the Congo for Belgium. It certainly can not be after the Congo is turned into a rubber producing state for Leopold. Then the most horrible things are done to the population-all to satisfy one man's greed.

In a relatively short space of time the population is nearly halved due to murder and starvation in the name of greater production of rubber for Leopold. Some members of the native population even flee the country for safety.

Don't get me wrong this is a very well written book, like a fast paced novel. If you want to know and get a better understanding of the colonial Congo under Belgian rule this is a great place to start. This will give you plenty of ideas for scenarios but no OBs.

Recommended!