Wanderings in West Africa from Liverpool to Ferndando Po

London: Tinsley Brothers, 1863. Hardcover. Very good. Two volumes in the rarest binding state (without Burton’s name or FRGS on the spines), but with a “second edition” slug on the title pages. This state was apparently unknown to Penzer and was probably the result of an attempt to boost sales by the publisher, as the text is unchanged. Plate of Julu house is the frontispiece to Volume I, and the map (now detached and laid in) is in Volume II. Both volumes lightly bumped/rubbed, but clean and sound. Small bookplate of F.H. Spencer on each front pastedown, along with a small bookseller stamp and evidence of a few markings removed. Much to his dismay, Burton’s first consular posting landed him on a small, desolate island off the coast of West Africa. He took every opportunity to leave the place, exploring various parts of the mainland and making observations on cultural and traditions, health and sanitary conditions, and slavery, among other things. The account of his journeys into Sierra Leone and Nigeria to investigate stories of gold and gold mining is credited with drawing public attention to mining prospects in the region. Penzer 71-72; Casada 70.