Exploration of The Nile Tributaries of Abyssinia

Hartford: O.D. Case & Co, 1868. First American edition. Hardcover. f to vg. Quarto (9 x 6 1/4"). xx, [21]-624pp. Original burgundy pebbled cloth with gold lettering to spine.

First edition of Baker's second account of the 1861-5 Nile expedition, "a classic of exploration and big game hunting" (Czech), elaborating on his previous book "The Albert N'yanza," published in 1867.

"Exploration of The Nile Tributaries" describes the fourteen months Sir Samuel Baker spent exploring in Abyssinia between April 1861 and June 1862. He established his headquarters at Sofi on the banks of the Atbara and spent five months exploring the Setit, one of its tributaries, stalking giraffe, hippopotamus, elephant, baboon, lion and buffalo, often in the company of the Hamran Arabs. He then continued along the Rehad to its confluence with the Blue Nile, travelling thence to Khartoum.

"Sir Roderick Murchison, president of the Royal Geographical Society, acknowledged the importance of Baker's explorations and his discovery that the Nile sediment was due to the Abyssinian tributaries. Additionally, Baker gained experience as an African explorer, mastered Arabic, and learned to use the astronomical instruments which were vital for determining geographical locations" (ODNB)

This work is complete with its two partly colored maps (including one folded), and 17 steel engraved plates.

Spine age-toned, with two small holes along front joint. Small clear water staining along upper fore-edge of pp. 609 to 624 (not affecting lettering). Binding in overall fair to good-, interior in good+ to very good condition.