Anders Sparrman’s work was first published in Swedish in 1783 followed by English, French and Dutch translations. The title reference to Captain Cook applies only to Vol 1, with the information in the other volumes being derived from Sparrman's subsequent travels in southern Africa.
Vol 1. 389 pp + 400 x 570 mm folding map + double-page frontispiece plate + 2 folding plates at the back.
Vol 2. 365 pp + 7 folding plates at the back.
Vol 3. 371 pp + 6 folding plates at the back.
Of Sparrman’s map, Forbes (in “Pioneer Travellers in South Africa”) notes that it “was the first to be published [that] attempted to show in any detail most of the area of contemporary settlement”. However, “no meridians are shown . . . and the manner of its execution leaves much to be desired.”
Theal (in Vol 3 of his “History and Ethnography of Africa South of the Zambesi, before 1795”) considered Sparrman’s work “the most interesting and trustworthy account of the Cape Colony . . . published before the beginning of the [19th] century.”
The set is in its original paper binding, with untrimmed pages. The spine lettering is still visible. This good complete set of the first French edition is attractive in its worn original state, although a serious collector might prefer to have the set custom-bound.
- Binding Condition: Good
- Overall Condition: Good
- Size: 210 x 140
- Sold By: Fontein Books
- Contact Person: Richard Proctor-Sims
- Country: South Africa
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 051 773 0050/048 079 546 4032
- Preferred Payment Methods: Eft (South Africa), SWIFT (rest of world), or $ checks for US or Australian buyers
- Trade Associations: AA Approved
