[Africa] Bruce, J. Voyage aux sources du Nil, en Nubie et en Abyssinie

pendant les années 1768,1769,1770, 1771 et 1772. Traduit de l'anglais par Castera. Paris, Hôtel de Thou, 1790. 5 vols. + atlas of plates, containing 88 engr. (fold.) plates, including 4 fold. maps. First French edition. Uniform marbled calf, spine gilt in compartments w. contrasting mor. letterpieces, atlas in gilt-tooled marbled calf w. two green mor. letterpieces. 4to.

Bindings a bit rubbed, occas. worn at spines and corners. Text vols. sl. waterstained at top margin. Plates mostly fine, maps w. a few sm. tears. Overall a very good set. Extraordinary account of the adventurous journey of the Scotsman James Bruce, whom Lord Hallifax had encouraged to set off in search of the true sources of the Nile. His journey lasted four years through Egypt, Abyssinia and Ethiopia (where he was received by the Negus), ending at Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, which he discovered, as he descended, joined the White Nile at Khartoum. (total 6)