1837
By Sir James Edward Alexander
First edition inscribed by the author.

Two volumes. All plates and maps present, some foxing.
Rebound. Offsetting to plates. 

On behalf of the Royal Geographical Society (which he had co-founded), he conducted an exploring expedition into Namaqualand and Damaraland, lasting from 8 September 1836 to 21 September 1837, in the course of which he collected rock specimens, pelts of rare animals, bird skins, weapons and implements from the Herero and Nama, as well as drawing maps of the region and making a first list of Herero words.

Subsequently, John Arrowsmith (cartographer) made use of his data to draw a map accompanying his book of the expedition. Alexander Bay on the Orange River mouth, is named after him.

In 1877, he was largely responsible for the preservation and transfer of Cleopatra's Needle to England.

160mm x 237mm

Sold Dec ‘25