Journal of a Visit to South Africa in 1815 and 1816

Latrobe's simply but knowledgeably written and illustrated narrative was originally meant for his six children. It was, however, published at the request of "many well-wishers to the Missions, and others".

In his preface the author writes: "Not being sufficiently versed in geology, mineralogy and botany, I should like to acknowledge my friend J W [W J] Burchell for the scientific names added to the subjoined list [of trees, shrubs and plants, beasts, birds and serpents etc] noticed in this Journal."

Full-bound in patterned and embossed tan calf with gilt lettering on a black spine label and 4 raised bands. Endpapers and page edges uniformly marbled. vii + 406 pp of text, appendix and index + 2 pp of publisher's announcements. The prelims include directions to the binder for the 3-colour folding map and 16 inserted plates - 12 hand-coloured aquatints and 4 monochrome engravings. The beautifully executed and coloured aquatints are mainly drawn by R Cocking from original sketches, mainly by Latrobe himself, and engraved by G Black and others. The monochrome engravings are from Latrobe's sketches, which include the Cape Peninsula and Ascension Island.

CONDITION NOTES. The boards are lightly scuffed and stained. The binding is tight. The contents are unmarked except for an owner signature on the flyleaf. There is light to medium spotting to many of the text pages as well as light sunning towards the page edges. The map and plates are all present and in their correct positions and are unmarked and bright, making this a near-fine and complete copy.