Lot 1271
  • 1271

Thomson, Joseph

Estimate
1,200 - 1,800 GBP
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Description

  • Through Masai land: A journey of exploration among the snowclad volcanic mountains and strange tribes of eastern equatorial Africa. London: Sampson Low [&c.], 1885
  • paper
FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR, 8vo (220 x 138mm.), xii, 584pp., 2 folding coloured lithographed maps, 15 wood-engraved plates, original pictorial dark green cloth, black endpapers, slipcase

Provenance

John Thomson, presentation inscription from the author; Wilfrid Thesiger, bookplate and ownership inscription

Literature

Czech (Africa) p.164

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

“One of the great African travel epics" (Czech). In this work Thomson recounts his expedition from the east coast of Africa to the northern shores of Lake Victoria. While in Masai territory Thomson's expedition was plagued by the suspicious local warriors, recently in conflict with German explorers. Thomson hunted rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo (one almost killed him), and captured a new species of gazelle (Gazella Thomsoni).

The work provided Rider Haggard with the inspiration for King Solomon’s Mines.