St. John, Spenser

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo (222 x 137mm.), (vol.1) [iv], vii-xx, [ii errata], 400pp., 4+16pp. adverts; (vol.2) xviii, [ii], 420pp., half-titles, 3 folding maps, 16 plates (4 hand-coloured, 12 tinted), original dark blue cloth, brown endpapers, bevelled edges, occasional light spotting

Ingram, armorial bookplate

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

RARE. The author was private secretary to Sir James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak in Borneo. When Brooke's resignation became effective in 1855, St John was appointed British Consul-General to the native states of Borneo. St John was the first European traveller to explore many parts of Borneo and this work contains accounts of his travels and of native life and culture. In 1863 he became British chargé d'affaires in Haiti and in 1871 took up the same post in the Dominican Republic. Later he was Minister in Peru from 1874 to 1883.