Park,M. Lot n° 1506

Travels in the interior districts of Africa: Performed under the direction and patronage of the Africa Association, in the years 1795, 1796, and 1797. With an appendix, containing geographical illustrations of Africa by Major Rennell. London, self-published by Nicol 1799. 4°. With gest. portrait frontispiece, 5 copper plates, 3 folded. Engraved maps a. 2 pp. gest. Music notes. XXVIII, 372, XCII pp, 1 fol. Mod. Cloth with ribbon. Lowndes V, 1775. Henze IV, 10 ff. - First edition of the important travelogue of the English African explorer Mungo Park (1771-1806). He traveled to the interior of Africa on the orders of the African Association in London: "The Niger problem was the cardinal theme of African geography at that time and especially of the 'African Association'. The source, course, and mouth of the stream were entirely unknown..." (Henze). Park's merit was that he opened the way through the Sudan from the west and brought knowledge of the course of the Niger to Europe. "A star hour in the history of the discovery of Africa.... The two maps show for the first time on the basis of observations the rivers Gambias, Senegal and Niger in their correct relationship to each other, i.e. for the first time the Niger - flowing to the east !" (Henze pp. 11-13). The plates show 3 views and 2 plant illustrations. - Some stains, p. 1/2 with upper margin tear. Marginal tear, title page with 2 hs. Ownership inscription, portrait with lack in upper w. margin. margin. Front endpaper renewed.