John BARROW

First French edition illustrated with a very large folding map heightened in colors, a folding table of South African woods, and a figure of a unicorn (a type of gazelle with a single long horn on its forehead). Translation by L. Degrandpré
Contemporary full flamed brown sheep bindings. Smooth spines decorated with 2 fleurons and 2 grotesque compartments, and multiple fillets. Red morocco title labels, green morocco volume labels. Decorative border frame on boards. Surface wear on boards, near outer edges. Rubbing, particularly to headcaps and joints. Endpapers changed in the second volume. The edges of volume 2 are yellow, white for the first, the publisher having certainly mixed 2 printings. Good copy, with good freshness.
John Barrow was one of the first explorers of southern Africa and he wrote the finest account of these regions. Endowed with great authority as auditor of the chamber of accounts, solid knowledge in botany, geography and natural history, and a clear and simple style, Barrow was able to explore numerous regions with sagacity. After giving a description of the Cape and discussing the importance of this place as a whaling port, Barrow recounts 5 different expeditions or voyages: Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to the district of Graaff Reinet, passing through the Karoo or arid desert; Voyage to the country of the Kaffirs; Voyage to the country of the Bushmen; Voyage from the district of Graaff to Cape Town, following the sea; Voyage to the country of the Namaaquas.
Interesting preface by the translator, himself author of a voyage to the western coast of Africa.