A Hunter's Life Among Lions, Elephants, and Other Wild Animals of South Africa.

J.C. Derby: H.W. Derby, New York: Cincinnati, 1857. Two volumes in one, complete, 8vo., [Vol.1] xiv, 17-326; [Vol.2] viii, 9-303 pp., illustrated with numerous steel engraved plates. Bound in publisher's red embossed cloth, with lion attacking giraffe battle motif in gilt on front board and spine, all edges marbled, marbled endpapers with bookplate of Ellis A. Holbrook on front pastedown.

A little loose, top joint cracked and head and tail of spine are abraded, gilt on spine is dull but bright on front board, corners pushed and abraded. Internally clean with just a little age toning and occasional fox mark. Previous owner’s name in ink and dated 1860 to the top of the title page.

Scottish traveller and sportsman, known as the "lion hunter," Derby was the 4th baronet of Altyre and Gordonstown. At eighteen, he joined the East India Co.'s service as a cornet in the Madras Light Cavalry. A hunting enthusiast, his first books were greeted with incredulity, until David Livingstone, of Stanley fame, vouched for the accuracy of his big game narratives in public.