Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, in the Years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, and 1773

Edinburgh; London: J. Ruthven; G. G. J. and J. Robinson, 1790. First edition. Leather. Good Only. 11" by 9". Not Stated. The first edition of James Bruce's travelogue recounting his search to the source of the Nile, an illustrated set of five volumes. The first edition.Complete in five volumes.ESTC citation number T51608.Volume I illustrated with eight plates.Volume III illustrated with four plates.Volume IV illustrated with three folding plates.Volume V illustrated with three folding maps, three folding plates, and thirty-five plates. James Bruce's extensive travel work recounting his expeditions to discover the source of the Blue Nile, undertaken from the years 1768 to 1773.In these volumes Bruce provides his eye-witness accounts of the culture of Ethiopia, with a history of the country, and the neighbouring kingdom of Sennar, and the Ottoman province of Habesh.When the first edition was published many scholars scoffed at the work, claiming it to be "exaggerated nonsense". Since the publication, however the accuracy of his Abyssinian travels was later confirmed by other explorers.Each volume is bound without the half-title. In a full rebacked calf binding. Externally, worn and rubbed with some marks to the boards and spines. Rear board of Volume III is detached but present. Bumping to the extremities resulting in some loss of leather. Spines are a little faded. Loss and lifting to the head and tail of the spines. Crack to the head and tail of the rear joint of Volume I, and to the head of the joints of Volume II. Large crack to the head of the front joint of Volume III, front hinge is weak. Hinges of Volume I are weak. Rear hinge of Volume II is strained. Hinges of Volume IV are strained. Front hinge of Volume V is weak, rear hinge is strained. Rear board of Volume I may detach, even with careful handling. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and spotted. Folding maps to Volume V are age-toned and spotted, with edge wear, chips, and closed tears, as well as a few repairs. Good Only