Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

Livingstone (David)

MISSIONARY TRAVELS AND RESEARCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA . (1857 'true 1st edition' - Scarce 'Bradlow Variant No. 1.')

Including a sketch of Sixteen Years' Residence in the Interior of Africa, and a journey from the Cape of Good Hope to Loanda on the West Coast; Thence across the Continent, down the River Zambesi, to Loanda on the West Coast; thence across the continent, down the River Zambesi, to the Eastern Ocean

Published: John Murray, London, 1857

Edition: True 1st Edition

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x plus 687 pages plus 8 pages of publisher’s advertisements dated November 1, 1857. Original blind-embossed hardcover with gilt title to spine. Folding colour-tinted lithograph frontispiece of Victoria Falls by W. West. Fine steel-engraved portrait of the author facing Introduction page.  1 other double-tinted  lithograph by West opposite page 66. 1 single tinted lithograph from a sketch by C. Bell opposite page 225 and printed by West (scarce 1st issue with the three tinted plates - which were replaced with b&w wood engravings in later issues. An extra leaf following page 8 covering Livingstone's account of his married life and the upbringing of his children was also inserted in later editions), 42 wood engraved plates and other illustrations (including a folding geological cross section of south central Africa), 2 folding maps by Arrowsmith - 1 in pocket in back cover, all present as called for. Deckle-edged text-block.

This edition conforms to the scarce 'Bradlow Variant No.1', where Bradlow quotes research done by Gaston Renard (Bookseller), who cites this variant as the true first issue, although he does remark that this "is not yet proved" - Lloyd (B.W.) Editor -  LIVINGSTONE 1873-1973 (page 14);  "Bradlow only retains Gaston Renard's order of issue "not because of a belief in its correctness but merely for convenience", and notes that "the only thing that can be said with certainty is that the issue with the extra leaf numbered 8* and 8+ is not the first issue". The extra leaf following p. 8 covers Livingstone's account of his married life and the upbringing of his children. As to why the extra leaf was inserted, Bradlow remains baffled: "Why did Livingstone decide to have the extra leaf after page 8 inserted? Did he feel that he had neglected his wife by not mentioning her in this way in the first place? All these questions and a host of others will occur to trained bibliographers and it may well be, that, in the future, some indefatigable researcher will find the answers." Abbey Travel 347; Bradlow, "The Variants of the 1857 edition " in Lloyd ed. Livingstone 1873-1973; Howgego L39; Mendelssohn I, p.908; Printing and the Mind of Man 341."

Small splits to hinges at spine ends with further light wear to spine-ends. Slight wear to corners. End-papers were replaced at some stage. Light toning to first blank page and light foxing mostly to back of folding hand-coloured frontispiece.  Bindings are tight and pages are clean throughout. A remarkably good copy.

The book covers the first of Livingstone's three major expeditions "in which he followed the Zambezi, discovering Victoria Falls in the process, as well as the Shire and Ruyuma rivers, ranging from Angola in the west to Mozambique in the east . During these years he explored vast regions of central Africa, many of which had never been seen by white men before" (PMM).

  • Binding Condition: Good plus
  • Overall Condition: Very good
  • Size: 230mm x 156mm x 49mm
  • Sold By: Booktown Africana
  • Contact Person: Chris Shelton
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 0685615292
  • Preferred Payment Methods: Internet banking transfer (EFT), PAYPAL. Regret no Credit Card facility.
  • Trade Associations: AA Approved


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