ISMAILIA: A Narrative of the Expedition to Central Africa for the Suppression of the Slave Trade, Organized by Ismail, Khedive of Egypt

London: Macmillan and Co., 1874. 2 volumes. First edition. Illustrated with over 50 engraved plates and with one full page colour map and one large folding colour map. Tall 8vo, very handsome contemporary three-quarter polished calf, the covers of feathered marbled paper over boards, the spines with raised bands gilt stopped, one compartment of each volume with red morocco labels lettered in gilt, numbered in gilt within compartments, all edges marbled sympathetically to blend with the covers. vii, 447; viii, 588 including geographic notes, appendix and index pp.. A fine and handsome set, internally unusually clean and fresh, the maps and plates in excellent state, the bindings solid and attractive and still beautifully preserved. FIRST EDITION OF THIS CLASSIC WORK BY ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT AFRICAN EXPLORERS OF HIS TIME. The scarce and rarely found account of the Khedive of Egypt’s expedition, which Baker commanded, to suppress the slave trade in Central Africa. It was one of the first practical steps taken for the purpose. In his early exploits in Africa Baker had been an eyewitness to the horrors and misery caused by the trade. He was determined in his attempt to bring it to an end.
Samuel Baker was prolific in his writing about Africa. His works on the basin of and search for the sources of the Nile are among the most important writings ever penned about the Dark Continent and he ranks with Burton, Speke and Grant in importance as an African explorer.