TRAVELS IN THE INTERIOR OF SOUTH AFRICA 1849-1863

Hunting and Trading Journeys from Natal to Walvis Bay & visits to Lake Ngami & Victoria Falls.

Edited from the original manuscripts by E.C. Tabler.

2 volumes, 258 + 244 pages, frontispiece portrait, folding map, numerous tables, 54 illustrations, brown vynide gilt. A set in near fine condition.

James Chapman was one of the greatest of the South African pioneers in the middle of the nineteenth century owing to the wide range of his interests and to his powers of observation and description. It has now been discovered that the published edition (1868) told only part of the story. It was severely cut by more than one editor and much interesting material was left out. This is evident from the original manuscripts, still in possession of his descendants.  This present edition is based on the original manuscripts. Chapman’s first extensive journey as an elephant hunter and trader is told here with much more detail, and the second trip also differs considerable from the printed version. It brought Chapman to very near the Victoria Falls. Here he conceived the idea, which he was to pursue for the next ten years, of opening up the Zambezi to trade and navigation downstream from the Falls. Although he was unaware of it, this paralleled Livingstone's plan to open South Central Africa from either the west or the east coast. The story of Chapman's first determined attempt to reach the Zambezi via Hereroland and Lake Ngami in 1859-60 was omitted from the Travels and his account of it now appears for the first time. He returned to the Cape in March, 1860, to prepare for the final assault on the Zambezi. His account of this epic journey is the subject of the second volume.' Editor's note.