TRAVELS IN AFRICA (1803)

This is an extremely scarce set of Golberry’s extensive account of his travels in Africa, in the western parts of that vast continent : containing various important discoveries : with a particular account of the situation, extent, towns, rivers, lakes, mines, minerals, fisheries, trade, Commerce, Agriculture, Curiosities, Religion, Natural History, and The internal Government and Nations; together with an account of the DISCOVERY OF EXTENSIVE GOLD MINES.

[ii], 362, [vi] 373, [xvi] and 6 plates at the rear. Two volumes, both are in what appears to be the original bindings. The title pages and pagination are as they should be. Volume I has a folding plan of the Island of Goree at the frontis as well as a folding chart of the Senegal River. Vol. II has a frontis plate of an elephant, two plates of indigenous Africans (including one indicating that these natives are free men), two plates (duplicate) of a two-humped Dromedary camel (!), one plate showing a boa constrictor attacking a tiger, and one plate with a view of Isle St. Louis in the Senegal.

The set is in fair antiquarian condition. It is a married set, with Vol. I slightly smaller than Vol. II, volume II being still in untrimmed deckle-edge state.  Volume I has calf spine and corners with marbled hard covers which are quite worn. Interior is foxed with browning, some old ownership signatures, last few pages have some damp staining to the gutters.  Vol. II spine covering mostly perished but book still holding together. Interior blanks are gone, first plate and title page quite foxed, rear plates cleaner, but otherwise clean and unmarked. A worn set but one that is textually complete.

Golberry’s account of his travels in Western Africa provide an excellent overview of the indigenous people, their customs, habits and industry. It includes much on gold mining and the natural history of the region. Golberry (1742-1822) was encouraged to go on a travel adventure by Louis XVI, who was upset by Capt. Cook’s naval exploits for the rival England. Louis wanted to show the territorial superiority of France and the French had just taken Senegal back in 1783. France’s power in Africa and favorable local circumstances made it possible for Golberry to attain important discoveries in the interior of the continent. Golberry – who was profoundly anti-slavery – celebrated the end of French slavery in Africa in the book (sadly, Napoleon shortly thereafter restored slavery).