Lot 142

Bruce, James.

Estimate

1,500 - 2,500 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Travels to discover the source of the Nile in the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773. Edinburgh: J. Ruthven for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1790

first edition, 5 volumes, 4to (294 x 223mm.), half title to volume 5, titles with engraved vignette, arms on dedication, 55 plates, 3 battle plans and 3 large folding maps (including map of the Arabian Gulf), 4 leaves showing Ethiopian dialects, contemporary speckled calf, flat spines gilt, red morocco lettering pieces, without half-titles to first 4 volumes, plates lightly offset, some joints starting to split, bindings a little rubbed

Provenance

G[eorge] E[yre]

Literature

Blackmer 221; Gay 44; Nissen ZBI 617; Hilmy I, 91; not in Weber

Catalogue Note

a handsome copy.

Bruce arrived in Alexandria in 1768 having determined to discover the source of the Nile, which he believed to be in Abyssinia. He reached Kossier via Cairo and Thebes where he embarked in the dress of a Turkish sailor for Jidda. He eventually reached Gondar in Abyssinia in 1770 where his linguistic skills, resourcefulness and courage made a fine impression, especially upon the Negus and Ras Michael. He stayed there for two years before finally reaching the source of the Blue Nile, and in 1771 he also found its confluence with the White Nile having surmounted numerous difficulties. This work is particularly important for its portrayal of Abyssinia, little-known to his contemporaries, for its literary merits and for the final volume on natural history, in spite of the incredulity with which it was originally received.