FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE

2 volumes, 358 + 420 pages, frontispiece in each volume, 48 plates and numerous text illustrations, 3 coloured folding maps, red cloth gilt, backs slightly faded, a very good copy.

Alexander formulated the idea that it was possible to cross Africa from west to east by boat. He writes in the introduction, 'Now, as Lake Chad was made the chief object of our enterprise it determined the nature of the Expedition, for it was necessary to take boats for the exploration of the Lake. And this, in turn, decided the route, for of course we should have to use the riverways as much as possible to get the boats on to the Lake. Then in my mind having got them there it occurred that a way out might be found across the continent eastwards, for an explorer never cares to come back upon his tracks. Studying the waterways with this object in view revealed a wonderful river system right away to the Nile, and my imagination was at once fired with the idea of crossing African by boat. At the same time the possibility of linking the Eastern fauna with that of the West, and of proving its affinity engaged my attention and claimed a great part in my speculations'.

See also Czech: An Annotated Bibliography of African Big Game Hunting Books 1785 – 1999 (2011), pages 3-4 for Alexander’s hunting experiences.