The Ruins of Mashonaland, and Explorations in the Country. by BENT, J. Theodore & SWAN, M. W - 1892

London: Royal Geographical Society, 1892. 37 pages, including sketch illustrations. Plus a fold-out color map measuring approximately 8.5 x 10.5 inches (22 x 27), and a fold-out color plan of Zimbabwe. Original condition with blue wrappers, titles to front, and containing all the ads. This is a complete issue, seldom found in such good and original condition. Theodore Bent's preliminary record of archaeological excavation and pioneering explorations in Mashonaland, an important expedition undertaken with the primary objective of examining the Great Zimbabwe ruins, while also studying indigenous custom and mapping out unvisited regions. His first-hand record also includes three reports by expedition member M.W. Swan on the geography and meteorology of Mashonaland, a comprehensive list of stations in Mashonaland astronomically observed, and the orientation and mensuration of temples of Zimbabwe. With sketched plans and illustrations, this riveting account is charged with adventure as the author forges through overgrowth and over fallen debris to reveal evidence of ancient Kaffir and Abantu races, of cannibalism, massacres, slavery, sacred rituals, sacrifice and idolatry. Remarkable detail includes mensuration of ruins with descriptions of mysterious chambers, complex labyrinths, monoliths and ornamentation. Accompanied by a detailed colour map illustrating part of Matabele, Mashona and Manica Land, marking the journey of Mr. Bent from Shoshong to the Pungwe River. This account pre-dates Theodore Bent's book, "The Ruined Cities of Mashonaland Being a Record of Excavation and Exploration in 1891. With a Chapter on the Orientation and Mensuration of the Temples by R.M.W. Swan", published in 1893. "Mr. Bent made a careful examination of the remains of the ancient buildings of Mashonaland, and was of the opinion that they were erected by Arabians, a race of North African explorers, whose civilisation must have been of a high order; he expressed great admiration for the beauty, solidity and intricacy of the masonry. The author also investigated the habits and industries of the Mashonas..." (Mendelssohn 1:114) . First Edition.