THROUGH THE DARK CONTINENT

First edition: 2 volumes, 522 + 566 + 32 pages publisher's catalogue dated April, 1878, tinted lithographic frontispiece portraits of Stanley in each volume, 2 large colour folding maps in pockets of back covers, 8 other maps - 2 folding, 32 engraved plates and 114 engraved illustrations in the text, original decorated brown cloth titled gilt on upper covers and spines, uncut edges, very good set.

Lasting from October 1874 to August 1877 this was perhaps Stanley’s most important expedition. The political ramifications were momentous leading directly to the founding of the Congo Free State and the partition of large areas of Africa between the powers of Europe. Stanley suffered from sickness and misfortune but finally completed the traverse of the continent ending his journey at the mouth of the Congo River.