Burton, Richard Francis

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo, (vol.1) xii, [2], 504pp.; (vol.2) vi, [2], 520pp., half-titles, 5 maps and plans, 1 folding, 11 engraved plates, original pictorial dark purple pebble-grained cloth, cream endpapers, slipcase, vol.2 half-title foxed

Viscount de Vesci, Abbeyleix, gilt armorial cypher on the spines

Casada 72; Penzer, p.88

A fine copy; half-title in volume 2 foxed
"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."

AN EXCEPTIONAL COPY. Although not published until 1872, most of the material for Zanzibar was collected in 1856, just before the expedition with Speke to Lake Tanganyika. At this period the Omani rulers of Zanzibar controlled most of the coast of what was to become British and German East Africa.