Africa - Lot 668

Africa PARK (Mungo) Travels in the interior districts of Africa: performed under the direction and patronage of the African Association in the years 1795, 1796, and 1797, with an appendix containing geographical illustrations of Africa by major Rennel. London, Bulmer and Co. 1799; London, Murray, 1815. 2 volumes in-4: frontispiece portrait of Park, 7 plates and maps (including 2 large folding maps). Scattered spotting and foxing. Copy with wide margins. Contemporary glazed blond calf, ornate ribbed spine, red title-pieces, spines split, triple gilt fillet framing the boards, gilt roulettes on edges and inside, bumping on 2 edges. Rare 2nd edition of this hitherto little-known account of the interior of Africa. Its immediate success and the fact that it was the first to tackle the mystery of the course of the Niger have made it a classic of travel literature. Provenance: Printed bookplate "Edward Herbert Viscount Clive", Edward Herbert, 2nd Earl of Powis (1785- 1848), Viscount Clive, British peer and Conservative politician.