Description
First edition of Narrative of an Expedition to Explore the River Zaire… under the Direction of Captain J.K. Tuckey.
Quarto, lxxxii, 498pp. Full morocco, rebacked with original spine laid down over new cloth, decorative border stamped in blind within a double gilt-ruled border on front and rear covers. Title in gilt over black, five bands with decorative gilt compartments. All edges marbled, marbled endpapers. Bound by M. Bell Richmond. No additional printings listed on copyright page. Solid text block, light foxing to plates, faint wear to edges and corners, some flaking of gilt on spine, hinges reinforced. Previous ownership bookplate on front pastedown endpaper. Complete with one fold-out map with light transference and solid hinges affixed opposite title page, as well as 13 full-page plates, including a hand-colored squid diagram. (Hosken 203)
Commander James Hingston [Kingston] Tuckey sailed with the Royal Navy and explored various parts of Africa during his career. Aboard the schooner Congo in 1816, Tuckey searched for a connection between the Congo and Niger Rivers of western and central Africa. The crew was unsuccessful, struggling to navigate rapids and eventually dying of fever. Although the expedition failed, it did raise international interest in exploring Africa.
Full title: Narrative Of An Expedition To Explore The River Zaire, Usually Called The Congo, In South Africa, In 1816, Under The Direction Of Captain J.K. Tuckey, R.N.
