BRUCE, JAMES. 'TRAVELS TO DISCOVER THE SOURCE OF THE NILE, IN THE YEARS 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, AND 1773'. EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY J. RUTHVEN FOR G.G.J. AND J. ROBINSON, 1790 [WITH]: MURRAY, ALEXANDER. 'ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF JAMES BRUCE, OF KINNAIRD'. EDINBURGH: GEORGE RAMSAY AND COMPANY, 1808

Together 6 volumes, 4to (11 7/8 x 9 1/4 in.; 301 x 235mm). Engraved vignettes on title-pages, 58 engraved plates, 3 folding engraved maps; foxing, offsetting, one or two closed marginal tears, some marginal repairs, minor toning, some dampstaining to plates (vol. III). Uniform contemporary diced russia, boards with gilt rules, edges speckled, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers; rebacked, extremities rubbed, some chips to calf.  

Lady Meux (ownership signature to front free endpapers and to verso of plates) — Humphrey Winterton (bookplate to front pastedowns) — Sotheby's London, 14 May 2013, lot 164

Blackmer 221; Hilmy I:91; Nissen ZBI 617

Together 6 volumes, 4to (11 7/8 x 9 1/4 in.; 301 x 235mm). Engraved vignettes on title-pages, 58 engraved plates, 3 folding engraved maps; foxing, offsetting, one or two closed marginal tears, some marginal repairs, minor toning, some dampstaining to plates (vol. III). Uniform contemporary diced russia, boards with gilt rules, edges speckled, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers; rebacked, extremities rubbed, some chips to calf.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First edition. James Bruce of Kinnaird had studied Arabic and Ethiopic and was British Consul at Algiers. Although primarily describing Egypt and Abyssinia, the author also visited Cyprus and spent three months in Jedda on his outward journey.