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Stanley, Henry M.
The Congo and the Founding of its Free State: A Story of Work and Exploration.
Publisher: Harper & Brothers, New York;
Date of Publication: 1885
Stock Code: 11828
First American Edition, Two volumes. Octavo, pp., xxvii, [1], 528; x, 484, [1], 12 catalogue. Volume I complete with 24 full-page plates including frontispiece with tissue guard, 49 further illustrations within text and 4 maps, of which 3 fold-out and 1 large and folded into pocket to lower board; Volume II complete with 20 full-page plates including frontispiece with tissue guard, 29 further illustrations within text and large folding map to pocket to lower board. Publishers’ verdant green pictorial cloth with gilt titles to spine and upper boards, blocked in several colours to spine and upper board. Cover cloth lightly rubbed to head and tail of spine and spine tips: Vol I lacking rear fee endpaper and with a damp stain to rear paste-down; Vol II inner hinges cracked but holding well. Several minor splits at folds of both large folding maps otherwise contents clean, with no annotation or inscriptions. An unusually clean, solid set with the gilt still very bright.

Stanley (1841-1904), probably the most famous explorer of his day, was appointed by King Leopold of the Belgians to explore the Congo region for colonial development. Stanley’s work refers to his expedition along the Congo River in Central Africa from 1879-84, with details of the social and economic background and the creation of the Congo Free State. Heavyweight so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £450.00