Paterson’s Cape Travels, 1777 to 1779

The Brenthurst Series. Number 2 of the De Luxe Edition limited to 125 copies. In the original slip case covered with marbled paper and leather trim, half dark green leather binding with marbled paper boards, gilt titling on the spine, top edge gilt, well illustrated. In very good condition.

William Paterson (1755—1810) was commissioned in 1777 by the Countess of Strathmore to collect plants at the Cape. A variety of new species was discovered on the young Scot’s four journeys which covered 9000 km, embracing a grand sweep from the mouth of the Orange River in the west to the banks of the Keiskamma River in the east. Paterson’s original manuscript journal is here fully annotated, and illustrated with plants, people, scenery and animals – all published for the first time. The journal is the first full-length account in English of extensive travel in the interior of Africa. -The Brenthurst Press.