Africa Exploration Bruce Nile Source 1790 Dublin 52 plates & 3 maps Mts. of Moon
Brian DiMambro- Antiquarian Books, Maps & Prints(Old Books, 18th Century Books, Leather Books, Illustrated Books, Africa, East Africa, Arabia, Botany, Exploration).
Select Specimens of Natural History, Collected in Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile in Egypt, Arabia, Abyssinia, and Nubia. (by James Bruce).
Published 1790, Dublin by Zachariah Jackson.
286 pages. Text in English. Illustrated throughout with a profusion of 52 copper engraved plates. Three large folding maps at rear.
This is the plate volume of the very rare Dublin, Ireland 8vo edition issued the same year as the London first ed. This final volume of the set contains the three (very) large folding maps of the Nile and interior region, all three of which show prominent and fascinating depictions of the apocryphal source of the Nile river, the Mts. of the Moon
Attractive antiquarian 18th century full tree leather binding, smooth spine, gilt bands, gilt title lettering on contrasting red leather label, remains of old paper spine label.
Book is physically old and shows some signs of handling and time. Once in a local lending library, with very early hand written price at top of title page, small old rubber stamp and minor remnants of paper labels on spine.
Binding age worn but still appealing, leather rubbed but still supple, joints cracked/ broken but covers still well attached, remains overall attractive as a hand-made 18th century object (all aspects of the book are hand made, including paper, engraved plates and binding).
Text block paper is gently age toned as typical, internally book remains mostly clean, tight and sound. Joints broken, covers still well attached, A book which has been taken care of but may/ does not look like new.
Still attractive on the shelf. Book displays a pleasing and unique age patina and is in rather nice antiquarian condition, any age flaws seem easy to overlook or forgive.Â
Please review photos for more detailed attempt to present this rare book as it survives. Maps all well preserved, mostly clean, some old paper repairs on reverse, short closed old edge tears near inset, nothing offensive or major.
We often over-describe any flaws that many sellers would not even bother to mention since most people would overlook them as minor and unworthy of comment. Many people tell us the books they receive from us are nicer in person than it appears on the screen. We want you to be clear about what you are buying, so we take clear photos and try to describe it clearly.
Book Measures c. 8 1/2" H x 5 1/4" W.
[B5454].