Nouvelle Description du Cap de Bonne-Esperance

1778. BRINK, Carol Fredrik. Nouvelle Description du Cap de Bonne-Esperance. Two parts in one volume. [8], 130, [2], 100 pp. With 16 folding plates, of which 15 depict African game and 1 of an African tree. 8vo., 205 x 123 mm, bound in contemporary Dutch mottled calf, spine gilt, marbled edges and endpapers. Amsterdam: J.H. Schneider, 1778. First Edition in French. The original Dutch edition was published by the same printer in the same year. A fascinating account of the Cape of Good Hope which features an historical journal of an expedition into the interior of Africa undertaken by 85 men who were "diligent observers, and one of them had the advantage of being conversant with the Hottentot language. This document is therefore not only highly interesting, but of great permanent worth" (Theal). The work is illustrated with 16 fine engraved plates of African game; moreover, it contains insightful notes compiled by J.S.N. Allamand (a Leiden professor), M. Klockner (an Amsterdam physician) and other members of the expedition. The journal is based on the diary kept by Carol Fredrik Brink (or Brinck), who served as a land-surveyor on the expedition. There is much information on the African tribes, fauna and flora, and minerals that the caravan encountered during their tour to Namaqualand, which lasted from 16 July 1761 until 27 August 1762. Corners bumped, headcap worn, but a very good copy in unsophisticated condition. Theal, History of South Africa, 1691-1795 (erroneously calling for 13 plates).