Travel - Lot 393

Travel BRUCE (James) Maps and figures of the voyage to Nubia and Abyssinia. Paris, Plassan, 1792. In-4: 2f. (title and list of plates), 86/88 plates, some of which are folding (missing maps of travel routes no. 67 and 68). Contemporary ½ tan basane, smooth spine, red title-piece, gilt pallets, wear rubs, boards covered with speckled green paper, paper vignette in black ink on upper board. Atlas corresponding to the 5 missing volumes of text from the voyage. Born in 1730, this Scottish traveler was Consul in Algiers in 1763, and began exploring North Africa, Egypt, the Blue Nile and Abyssinia in 1768. Bruce had prepared his journey with great care, researching the dangers to be expected in Africa, particularly from a medical point of view. He earned His Majesty's good graces by treating several members of the royal family with smallpox in Abyssinia. He was criticized, particularly by the Jesuits, for the veracity of his information. This voyage gave rise to several parodies, the best-known of which is "Voyage du Baron de Munchaüsen".