Bruce, James

FIRST EDITION, 5 volumes, 4to (295 x 230mm.), (vol.1) [xii], lxxxiv, 536pp.; (vol.2) [iv], viii, 718pp.; (vol.3) [iv], viii, 760pp.; (vol.4) [iv], viii, 696pp.; (vol.5) [iv], xiv, 230, [x index], [vi] pp., half-titles, 3 folding maps and 58 plates, contemporary pale tree calf, red labels, bound without the list of illustrations in vol.5

Sir James Colquhoun, armorial bookplate

An exceptionally fine copy
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

James Bruce of Kinnaird (1730-1794) arrived in Alexandria in July 1768 having determined to discover the source of the Nile which he believed to be in Abyssinia. Travelling via Cairo, Thebes and the Red Sea he reached Gondar in Abyssinia in 1770. He stayed there for two years before finally reaching the source of the Blue Nile and in 1771 also found its confluence with the White Nile. This work is particularly important for its portrayal of Abyssinia, then little-known, for its literary merits, and for the final volume on natural history. Although primarily describing Egypt and Abyssinia, the author also visited Cyprus and spent three months in Jedda on his outward journey.

Volume 1 contains the very rare portrait of Bruce by Heath [who produced the engraved illustrations], and the separately printed leaf Ode to James Bruce. An exceptionally fine copy.