Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

Serpa Pinto (Major A. A.)

HOW I CROSSED AFRICA

Published: Sampson Low, Marston ,Searle & Rivington, London, 1881

Edition: First Edition

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From the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean through unknown countries; discovery of the great Zambesi affluents, &c., translated from the author's manuscript by A. Elwes in two volumes containing 15 maps and facsimiles and 132 illustrations.

Vol. 1 The King's Rifle
Vol 11 The Coillard family

First Edition.2 volumes. 377 + 388 pages, folding map as frontispiece and folding map in pocket at back in vol. 1, maps and diagrams, numerous plates and illustrations, pictorial green cloth titled gilt on the upper cover and spine – neatly rebacked preserving the original back strip which has now faded to brown, the edges of the covers are scuffed and worn, the corners slightly bumped, uncut edges, light foxing on the preliminary and end pages, starting to wear at the front hinge in Volume 11,a good set.

Mendelssohn (Sidney) South African Bibliography volume 2 page 168 -169: The author was chosen by the Portuguese Government to take a leading position in the expedition sent by them to explore South Central Africa. Messrs. Capello and Ivens were also associated with the expedition, but the travellers parted company in 1878, and Serpa Pinto went his own way.

He arrived at Loando on August 6, 1877, and his long journey to the Indian Ocean was made in intervals between attacks of fever which often threatened his life. He was careful, however, to keep accurate observations throughout, and nothing in the way of illness seems to have interfered with these valuable records. He travelled from Benguella to the Upper Zambesi, and thence through the Kalahari to Khama's Country and the Transvaal. The narrative includes detailed accounts of the native chiefs and their subjects along the route, and is full of all kinds of adventures, the journey having been carried out in the face of exceptional difficulties and privations.

When the kingdom of the Barotse was reached, Serpa Pinto's affairs eventually came to a desperate pitch, owing to the treachery of King Lobossi and some of his counsellors, and his camp was attacked by the natives, who, however, were beaten off by his faithful followers. Later on the King provided him with boats and he escaped from the country, and soon after was informed of the whereabouts of the well-known missionary, Coillard, to whom he resolved to go for assistance. After many more troubles he succeeded in reaching " Luchuma," the camp of Mr. Coillard, in an almost exhausted condition, but he soon recovered under the kind treatment of the ladies of the missionary's family.

He subsequently visited the Victoria Falls, and eventually joined his hosts in a journey to Khama's Country, where the explorer met with friends, who provided him with funds enabling him to make his way to Pretoria, where he resumed communications with the Portuguese Government, and was warmly received by both Dutch and English.

  • Overall Condition: A Good Set
  • Size: 8vo (230 x160mm)
  • Sold By: Clarke's Africana & Rare Books
  • Contact Person: Paul Mills
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 021 794 0600
  • Preferred Payment Methods: Visa & Mastercard via PayGate secure links and Bank transfers.
  • Trade Associations: ABA - ILAB, SABDA


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