Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile

Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons, 1863. First edition. Leather. Very Good Indeed. 9" by 6". Captain Grant. A lovely copy of the richly illustrated first edition of John Hanning Speke's first hand account of his discovery of the source of the River Nile. The first edition of Captain John Hanning Speke's account of his successful search for the source of the Nile, and his discovery of lake Victoria in 1858. Rebound in a smart full calf binding, and illustrated throughout.Illustrated with two portraits, twenty four plates, numerous vignette illustrations, and two partially coloured lithograph maps, one folding. A large number of these illustrations were after the sketches of Captain James Grant, a member of the expedition. Collated, complete.Speke's work is noted for its focus on description of the physical features of Africa's races, in whom he found 'a strikingly existing proof of the Holy Scriptures', referring to the Tutsi tribe and their 'high stamp of Asiatic feature'.Rebound, lacking publisher's advertisements and half title as usual. Otherwise complete. The first edition of a fascinating work. Alongside and account of the journey, Speke details his geographical, ethnological, and zoological observations. Rebound in full calf, with endpapers renewed. Light fading and marks to back strip, otherwise externally excellent. Internally, firmly bound. Light pencil inscription to dedication leaf. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally clean and bright, with the odd spot or handling mark. Tape repair to reverse of folding map to rear. Very Good Indeed