Harry Johnston

Sir Harry Hamilton Johnston (June 12, 1858–July 31, 1927) was a British explorer, botanist, artist, linguist, and colonial administrator. After studying painting at the Royal Academy, he traveled widely in Africa, including Angola, the Congo, Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda. He learned several African languages and played an important role in British expansion across the continent during the late nineteenth century.

Johnston published around 40 books on Africa, along with biographies, scientific works, an autobiography, and novels. His best-known titles include George Grenfell and the Congo, The Story of My Life, and Pioneers in Tropical America. He was knighted in 1896 and remained active as a writer and natural-history enthusiast after retiring from colonial service.