African Association

2 volumes (containing 5 works - see below), 4to (290 x 227mm.), 8 folding engraved maps (2+6), nineteenth-century half calf, some offsetting of maps, occasional soiling at head of pages in vol.2, bindings rebacked retaining original spines; sold as a periodical, not subject to return

Sidney Edward Bouverie Bouverie-Pusey, bookplate; A.J. Arkell, archaeologist and colonial administrator noted for his work in the Sudan and Egypt, signature on endleaf

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
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The Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa, known as the African Association, was founded in 1788 by Joseph Banks and other worthies, and was arguably the starting point of the European race to explore Africa, sponsoring the expeditions of Mungo Park, Friedrich Hornemann and Johann Burckhardt. A select group, there are just 95 members listed in volume 1 and 90 in volume 2.

These rare publications were periodic, as indicated by the dates of the individual parts listed below, and probably composite; for example, Mungo Park's account which is found in African Researches (vii, 162pp.) bears the printed date of 1798 and inscription at head of its title "D. of Grafton 1798" (Grafton was a member), despite the general title bearing the date 1802.

Volume 1 (3 works in one vol.):
Proceedings of the Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa. London: C. Macrae, Printer to the Association, 1790, xi, 236pp., half-title, chapters 1-12
Proceedings... London: Bulmer, 1792, [iv], 24pp., half-title, comprising chapter 13 (separate pagination)
Elucidations of the African Geography from the Communications of Major Houghton, and Mr. Magra; 1791, compiled in 1793. London: Bulmer, 1793, 31pp., half-title

Volume 2 (2 works in one vol.):
African Researches, or Proceedings of the Association...vol.II. London: Printed by W. Bulmer and Co., 1802, viii, 20, vii, 162, 215pp., half-title
Proceedings of the Association... vol. II. part I. London: Bulmer, 1797, 32pp. (inserted after contents leaf of previous entry), half-title