NARRATIVE OF AN EXPEDITION TO EXPLORE THE RIVER ZAIRE, Usually called the Congo, in 1816, under direction of Captain J.K. Tuckey, R.N. to which is added the Journal of Professor Smith; Some general observations on the Country and its inhabitants; And an appendix: containing the natural history of that part of the Kingdom of Congo through which the Zaire flows.

London: John Murray, 1818. First edition. Illustrated with the large folding map and 13 engraved plates, of which one is coloured by hand. Large 4to, later antique wine coloured cloth, gilt lettering to the spine, t.e.g. 4ff., lxxxii, 498 pp. A large copy, quite clean and well preserved, crisp and unpressed, the colour plate in good order, some typical mellowing or spotting associated usually with the plates, upper cover detached and easily refurbished on request. SCARCE FIRST EDITION. An attempt to explore the Congo River and to find a link with the Niger and investigate the possibilities for trade on these arteries. Smith from Kew Gardens and other botanists were along to collect plant seeds. Tuckey died on the support ship.
“Tuckey was one of the most observant of travelers. He had served in the Eastern Seas, and made a voyage to Brazil and Port Philip in 1803. Captured on his return voyage, he like Flinders, was detained as a prisoner by the French for several years. He subsequently compiled a valuable work on ‘Maritime Geography’ before setting on the government expedition to explore the Congo, then by many conjectured to be the outlet of the Niger. The results of this expedition were most disastrous, Captain Tuckey and many others dying within three months after entering the river”.
“An introductory view of African discovery preceeds the narrative of Tuckey and Smith and a series of appendices follow: these include (1) a vocabulary of the Malemba and Embonma languages by Cat. Tuckey. (2) Observations on the Genus Ocythioe of Rafinesque by Dr. Leach. (3) On Sepia and Vermes Testacea with plates. (4) Observations on Prof. Smith’s collection of plants by Robert Brown, etc.”