Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa: performed under the direction and patronage of the Africa Association, in the years 1795, 1796, & 1797

Description:

5th edition.Mungo Park (1771-1806) was a Scottish explorer of West Africa. In 1794 Park offered his services to the African Association, then looking for a successor to Major Daniel Houghton, who had been sent in 1790 to discover the course of the Niger River and had died in the Sahara. Supported by Sir Joseph Banks, Park was selected. His instructions including 'to ascertain the course, and if possible, the rise and termination' of the Niger. Upon his return, together with Bryan Edwards, the secretary of the African Association, Park drew up an account of his travels for the members of the association; James Rennell added a map which showed the Niger. His 'Travels', first published in 1799, was a best-seller. Three editions were printed during the first year, and it was immediately translated into French and German.

Condition

8vo, Cont. mottled calf, red leather title piece to spine, joints cracked and a little tender, wear to corners. Map repaired at edges and with a few tears to the folds neatly repaired. A number of ownership signatures including that of Frederick Charles Husenbeth (1796-1872), son of a Bristol wine merchant, and later a catholic priest who published a number of religious works. Also with ownership stamp of Charles Edward Hubbard (1900-1980) a botanist known for his expertise on grasses.