Fine Books and Manuscripts

Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile in the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, and 1773 [Vol.V titled: Select Specimens of Natural History, collected in Travels to discover the Source of the Nile]. Edinburgh: J. Ruthven for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1790 5 volumes, 4to (284 x 234 mm). Half-titles, engraved titles, 3 engraved folding maps, 57 engraved plates, 4 letterpress leaves of Ethopian dialect inserted between pp.400 and 401 in vol.1. (A few leaves with short marginal tears crossing text, some light spotting, a few short tears to folding maps.) Contemporary calf, smooth spines gilt, red morocco lettering-pieces gilt (Some light wear, a few hinges starting.) FIRST EDITION. James Bruce, a Scottish wine merchant, arrived at the source of the Blue Nile in 1770, which he claimed was the source of the Nile. He reached the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile a year later. Although his work was popular, and still remains important for his description of Ethiopia, it was criticized by other explorers. Nevertheles, "few such monuments exist to the energy and enterprise of a single travellerthe substantial accuracy of every statement concerning the Abyssinian travels has since been amply documented" (DNB). Nissen ZBI 617.