The Congo and the founding of the free state. A story of work and exploration

New York: Harper & Brothers, 1885. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. With frontispiece in each volume, 5 colored maps (including 2 very large folding maps in the pocket to each volume) 42 full-page engraved plates and dozens of text woodcuts. The folding maps are in excellent condition, without tears. Original publisher’s decorated cloth, very minor smudging but with bright colors; interior absolutely excellent. Withdrawn from the New Jersey Historical Society, with their bookplate indicating a gift from Marcus S. Ward and their inconspicuous blindstamp on each title. A wonderful copy. First American edition, published the same time in London. Already a famous explorer, Stanley was approached by King Leopold II of the Belgians to assist in opening up the Congo region for development and “westernization,” although his main intent was to exploit the natural resources of the region for himself. Between 1879 and 1894, Stanley built a road from the lower Congo to Stanley Pool, launching steamers on the upper river. Despite entering into treaties with local chieftains, he assisted Leopold to fully exploit the entire area, often with cruel acts against the indigenous population (including his own porters). In this, his journalistic recitation of his time spent there, he details the social and economic evolution of the area in the creation of the Congo Free State.

Stanley (1841-1904), though born in Wales, spent many years in the United States, actually fighting in the Civil War for both the Confederate and Union armies. Most famous for his exploration of the African Continent and his locating the missionary and explorer David Livingstone, he was revered as a romantic explorer and journalist despite also being known for his cruelty and disregard of African natives.