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Wanderings in West Africa from Liverpool to Fernando Po by Burton, Richard F - 1863

by Burton, Richard F

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Wanderings in West Africa from Liverpool to Fernando Po by Burton, Richard F - 1863

Wanderings in West Africa from Liverpool to Fernando Po

by Burton, Richard F

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Hardcover
  • first
Two volumes. Original purple-brown cloth. Folding map as frontispiece to Volume I, plate of the JuJu House as frontispiece to Volume II. Spines a touch sunned, light wear, but an excellent set. First edition. This is Burton's first book on his years in West Africa including detailed accounts of his amazing adventures inland. "Newly married and needing employment, Burton approached the Foreign Office for a consular position, hoping for the post at Damascus. Instead, he was offered the consulship at Fernando Po, a small, unhealthy island in the Bight of Biafra on the west African coast. When he accepted the position on 27 March 1861 he requested to retain his commission in the Bombay army, but he was struck from the list, thereby losing not only his half pay but also any prospect of a pension or sale of his commission, an action about which he always complained bitterly. Burton did not permit Isabel to accompany him to Fernando Po, which he described as 'the very abomination of desolation'. He slipped away from the post at every opportunity for excursions on the African mainland or to meet Isabel in the Canaries or England. Although he loathed Fernando Po, he worked continuously at his writing with Wanderings in West Africa and Abeokuta and the Cameroons Mountains both appearing in 1863″ (ODNB). Burton originally intended to issue the book anonymously, and a few copies are known with no name on the spine, but most often they are as here, credited to "R. F. Burton F.R.G.S." on the spine and just "a F.R.G.S." on the title page. This pseudonym "may have been a slap at the Royal Geographical society, for Burton was at odds with the organization's leadership at the time over the matter of the Nile's sources. The acerbic dedication was 'to the true friends of Africa – not the "Philanthropist" or to Exeter Hall'" (Casada).
  • Bookseller 19th Century Rare Book and Photograph Shop US (US)
  • Book Condition Used - Near Fine
  • Quantity Available 1
  • Edition 1st Edition
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Publisher Tinsley Brothers
  • Place of Publication London
  • Date Published 1863

We have 2 copies available starting at £2,007.50.

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WANDERINGS IN WEST AFRICA FROM LIVERPOOL TO FERNANDO PO

by Burton, Richard F

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
  • first
Condition
Used - Very good
Jacket Condition
No dust jacket
Edition
First edition
Binding
Hardcover
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Sarasota, Florida, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 1 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£2,007.50

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Description:
London: Tinsley Brothers, 1863. First edition. Hardcover. Very good/No dust jacket. London: Tinsley Brothers, 1863. 2 vols. First edition. Folding map in vol. 1 and frontis illustration in vol. 2. viii, [2], 303; [vi], 295 pp. Hardcover. 8vo. Tawny 3/4 polished morocco over cloth, by Baynton. Light stain and wrinkle on back of map; map edges with shallow chips and creases; otherwise a very good set. Very good/No dust jacket. (Multiple volumes - extra shipping charges apply) (Insurance required to ship this item).
Item Price
£2,007.50
WANDERINGS IN WEST AFRICA FROM LIVERPOOL TO FERNANDO PO
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WANDERINGS IN WEST AFRICA FROM LIVERPOOL TO FERNANDO PO

by Burton, Richard F

  • Used
Condition
Used
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£3,011.25

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Description:
London: Tinsley Brothers, 1863. 8vo. 1st ed., 2nd issue binding. Very good with slight edgewear.
Item Price
£3,011.25