Travels in the Congo

work by Gide

Also known as: “Voyage au Congo”

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

"Travels in the Congo" is a work by the French writer André Gide, published in 1927. It details his experiences and criticisms of French colonial policies during his travels in French Equatorial Africa in 1925. Gide documented the exploitation and harsh conditions faced by the local population under colonial rule, advocating for more humane treatment and equality. The book reflects Gide's growing concern for social justice and his critique of the colonial system, which he saw as oppressive and exploitative. This work is part of Gide's broader literary output, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947 for his humanist and moralist writings.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

André Gide
Great creative period
…published Voyage au Congo (1927; Travels in the Congo), in which he criticized French colonial policies. The compassionate, objective concern for humanity that marks the final phase of Gide’s life found expression in political activities at this time. He became the champion of society’s victims and outcasts, demanding more humane…
Read More
…published Voyage au Congo (1927; Travels in the Congo), in which he criticized French colonial policies. The compassionate, objective concern for humanity that marks the final phase of Gide’s life found expression in political activities at this time. He became the champion of society’s victims and outcasts, demanding more humane…
Read More