Published by Tylston & Edwards. 1894. First edition thus [the memorial edition] 2 vols.xxxiv+209/276pp ills.[b/w diagrams with colour frontis.and another colour plate to each vol.] Vol I. Brown cloth with gilt Arab figure to the front board. Cloth very rubbed and soiled, and wear to extrems. prelims and content edges slightly foxed, plates clean,vol.1 lacks the third plate which was never inserted according to Penzer.
Vol II. Near fine. 21 x 14 cm. xxxv + 209 pp + map + 2 colour plates. Rebound in full leather with the original gilt vignettes pasted down.
Good condition. Rebound in full leather by Bookcraft of Ndola for Tanganyika Victoria Memorial Institute, Norther Rhodesia (TVMI); stamped on the front endpaper and with three pages also stamped TVMI.
A mixed Vol Set.
A seminal work of Africana recording Burton's first expedition into Somaliland and Abyssinia. His purpose was to explore the forbidden Moslem city of Harar, "a city whose walls no European had ever penetrated," as well as to gather information about the headwaters of the Nile. He travelled in disguise as an Arab merchant.
It was on this expedition that Burton was first joined by John Speke. Speke originally abetted Burton's plans in Somalia, but differences quickly arose between the two, and Speke over the years became Burton's great nemesis.
On this journey, despite the success of the primary objective, Lieut. Stroyan died and Burton received the famous spear wound to his face during an attack by Somalis while encamped on the beach at Berbera.
- Binding Condition: good
- Overall Condition: Good
- Size: 8vo
