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Extensive description of present Namibia

ALEXANDER, James Edward.
An expedition of discovery into the interior of Africa, through the hitherto undescribed countries of the great Namaquas, Boschmans and Hill Damaras. Performed under the auspices of her Majesty's government, and the Royal geographical society.

Large folding map, 7 etched plates (3 in 1st and 4 in 2nd vol.) depicting scenes of African landscapes, villages, animals and people all by William Heath and 7 wood-engraved illustrations.

Large folding map, 7 etched plates (3 in 1st and 4 in 2nd vol.) depicting scenes of African landscapes, villages, animals and people all by William Heath and 7 wood-engraved illustrations.

Large folding map, 7 etched plates (3 in 1st and 4 in 2nd vol.) depicting scenes of African landscapes, villages, animals and people all by William Heath and 7 wood-engraved illustrations.

Large folding map, 7 etched plates (3 in 1st and 4 in 2nd vol.) depicting scenes of African landscapes, villages, animals and people all by William Heath and 7 wood-engraved illustrations.



London, Henry Colburn, 1838. 2 vols. 12mo. Later green morocco (ca. 1890), spines richly gilt in compartments with beautiful illustrations of the wild animals of Africa, sides with gilt fillet borders in a Empire design, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, g.e. Large folding map, 7 etched plates (3 in 1st and 4 in 2nd vol.) depicting scenes of African landscapes, villages, animals and people all by William Heath and 7 wood-engraved illustrations. XXIII, (1), 302; VIII, 306 pp.

First edition of extensive account of an expedition into South Western Africa by Sir James Edward Alexander. His journey went northward from Cape Town across the Orange River, near the course of the Great Fish River proceeding to Namaqualand and Damaraland and to Walfisch Bay, altogether a distance of some 4000 miles, of which most miles were through until then undescribed country. Originally Alexander intended to explore parts of Eastern Africa, but as he was forestalled by Dr. A. Smith, he decided to pursue his investigations in the West. Leaving Cape Town in 1836, he traversed these regions in an ox wagon, and went through a large part of the country formerly known as German West Africa, arriving at Walvisch Bay, now in Namibia, almost exhausted with the difficulties of travel and want of water.
The book contains a detailed account of all sorts of encounters, anecdotes and scientific knowledge, drawing attention for instance to the education of the natives by the missions, through the medium of the Dutch language, which he considers a mistake, and states that the Damaras have no religious belief. He had a good deal of hunting throughout his journey and succeeded in obtaining a good collection of zoological and other specimens, many of which were at the time unknown to the scientific world. Added is an Appendix on natural history, including descriptions of birds, botanical specimens, minerals and more. There are also extensive notes on the social conditions of the Namaquas, Boschmans and Damaras, the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, the Boer Trekkers in Natal and the Zulus, and some notes on whaling.

Very nice copy.- (Spines sl. discoloured).
Gay 3126; Mendelssohn, p. 20.

Related Subjects: Africa  Cartography  Natural History 

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