BURTON, Richard Francis, Sir (1821-1890). The Lake Regions of Central Africa. London: Longman, Green, et al, 1860. FIRST EDITION.
Sale 714 - Library of a Midwestern Collector
Nov 5, 2019
10:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
Estimate
$1,500 -
$2,500
Sold for $1,875
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
BURTON, Richard Francis, Sir (1821-1890). The Lake Regions of Central Africa. London: Longman, Green, et al, 1860.
2 volumes, 8vo. Tinted folding map (very minor chipping to upper margin), 12 chromolithographed plates, woodcut illustrations in text; half-titles. (Scant spotting to a few leaves, otherwise fine.) Original publisher’s brick red cloth gilt by Fisher & Son with their ticket (neatly recased preserving original endpapers, repairs to spine ends, some light soiling, extremities slightly rubbed); half red morocco folding case. Provenance: C. H. M. (booklabel).
FIRST EDITION, second issue, in brick red cloth. The Lake Regions of Central Africa is considered Burton's best writing and is also his first attack in print on Speke, with whom he traveled to Central Africa. Speke was the first to return to England and the first to publish findings in Blackwood's Magazine, and took credit for their "discovery" of Lake Nyanza and the source of the White Nile. Burton countered with his denouncement of Speke's "inaccurate data and outrageous speculations" which the Royal Geographical Society printed in full, perhaps in retaliation for Speke having turned to Blackwood's Magazine for publication even though the Royal Society sponsored the expedition. Abbey Travel 275; Casada 42; Penzer p. 65-66; Spink 20.
Condition Report
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to
age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and
restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition
they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make
no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind
as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue
description or a condition report shall not amount to a full
accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman
staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the
Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or
in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an
item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for
inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect
the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have
requested, received and understood any condition report provided
by Hindman.
Please email conditionreports@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.