2 volumes in one, 8vo. 2 color-printed folding maps (short tears to fold of first map), 4 wood-engraved plates, 21 illustrations in text. (Light spotting to a few leaves.) Contemporary half brown calf gilt, spine gilt, black morocco lettering-piece gilt, marbled boards, marbled edges (some light wear).  

 

FIRST EDITION, recounting Burton's second expedition from his consular posting at Fernando Po, made in 1862-1863; vol. I includes Burton’s description of Gaboon, and in vol. II, he provides an account of an expedition on the Congo River. His jurisdiction stretched some 600 miles along the Bights of Benin and Biafra. "Gorillas had fascinated [Burton] ever since his friend Paul du Chaillu reported his amazing discovery of these simians to incredulous audiences in London in July 1861" (Frank McLynn, Snow Upon the Desert, p.191). In the end, Burton only managed to see a captive gorilla; along his journey, he nearly drowned and was struck by lightning. Casada 66; Penzer, p. 94.