Langbourne

The remarkable story of the Langbourne brothers is, picked up in 1893. Morris, just 17, makes the bold and risky decision to head north, deeper into Africa. Morris and his younger brother David thus embark on a new adventure, to set up business as traders. After walking through the African bush for three months with six wagons laden with goods, and hardly a track to guide them, Morris and David stop in the settlement of KoBulawayo and build their first warehouse out of wooden poles and mud. Realizing a radical change in plan is, needed, Morris devises a new business strategy that propels them towards success. A political impasse rapidly develops between the European Administration, and the ruthless King Lobengula's massive Ndebele army. A brief and savage war erupts between the two powers; the brother's business is unavoidably affected, and David is, hunted by the Ndebele army, when he tries to rescue a friend. Undaunted, but wiser to the perils of Africa, Morris sets his mind to recover their pride, their reputation, and business. Based on a true story and actual events.

Based on a true story. (Part 3 of the Langbourne Trilogy.) It is 1894 in the remote settlement of Bulawayo, in what later became Southern Rhodesia. Recent immigrants from Ireland, Morris and David Langbourne, throw body and soul into rebuilding their previously devastated business. Between Morris' brilliant business acumen and David's almost limitless energy, their future looks very promising, as they take massive financial and logistical risks, and look forward to a booming business in the backwoods of beyond. Then the unimaginable happens: disease, a devastating plague, unforgivable stupidity in political designs, war, and starvation. And, if this wasn't enough, Morris makes a very simple mistake with exponential consequences. Yet these are the Langbourne brothers, and they refuse to be beaten.

It is 1898 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, and the Langbourne brothers' business is maturing, and so are the boys. Morris decides the time is right for them to expand the business into Europe and he leaves his younger siblings to grow the African operation while he returns to his homeland in Ireland. Two younger brothers join the company and the family work long and hard days. Business thrives, and they begin to see rewards. For the first time, a romance develops, and international plans are set in motion. But, Africa works in her mysterious ways; good plans are always put to the test, and this is no exception for the Langbourne brothers. Based on a true story.

The conclusion to the Langbourne Series. David, a much older man now, sits on his verandah with his old friend Nguni, as they reminisce on the good old days. Not having seen each other in almost 50 years, there is much news to tell, many stories to laugh at, and some sorrows to reflect on. Based on an untold true story, this book brings the Langbourne family's saga to its conclusion. The end of the book has a special feature on some of the actual people depicted in this series.