THE GREAT NARRATIVE OF IMPERIAL EXPLORATION

Stanley, Henry M. (1841-1904)

In Darkest Africa [1890 First American Edition] [Two-Volume Set] [Publisher's Half-Morocco]

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1890. First Edition, First Printing. [American].
THE DEFINITIVE VICTORIAN ADVENTURE. 
Henry M. Stanley’s most harrowing narrative, documenting the 1887–1889 relief expedition of Emin Pasha. While the expedition was later mired in controversy, the publication remains a cornerstone of 19th-century exploration literature. 

This set is presented in the original publisher’s deluxe half-morocco binding, a step above the standard trade cloth, featuring marbled boards and edges that evoke the grandeur of a Victorian private library.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Bibliographic Priority: True First American Edition, First Printing (Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1890).
+++ Visuals: Complete with two steel-engraved portraits, three color folding maps, and 150 woodcut illustrations.
+++ Binding: Original publisher's half-morocco over marbled boards with gilt-tooled spines; a superior shelf presentation to the standard cloth issue.
+++ Format: Two volumes, 8vo; 547pp & 540pp including the comprehensive index.

CONDITION: Very Good -- A solid, attractive set with tight, square bindings. Volume 1 shows some shelf-rubbing to the spine tips and a "tender" lower front joint; a dark "age stain" is noted on the center spine. Volume 2 is clean and bright. Internals show light even toning with small textblock closed tears (pp. 339–364), but all maps are present and structural. Gift Quality for the serious history buff.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
Stanley’s 160-day march through the "miles and miles of endless forest" remains one of the most brutal feats in African travel. This work was a global phenomenon, published simultaneously in six languages and capturing the "Scramble for Africa" at its most fevered peak. It marks the transition of Stanley from a mere journalist to a complex, often criticized figure of colonial history.

SUBJECTS: African Exploration, 19th Century Travel, Emin Pasha, Victorian Literature, Colonial History, Fine Bindings, Travel & Voyages, Illustrated Books.

Item #21611

Price: $475.00