By William J Burchell Esq (23 July 1781 – 23 March 1863)
1822
Volume 1 only. First Edition.
500 copies printed
Original publisher’s binding.
Front board detached.
Minor foxing periodically.

"This book is the most valuable and accurate work on South Africa published up to the first quarter of the nineteenth century and embracing a description of a large part of the Cape Colony and Bechuanaland at this period. According to Sclater he was a most skilful and well-trained zoologist and botanist, and his observations are all accurate and methodical. Burchell penetrated as far as Lattakoo (afterwards known as Kuruman), and during his explorations, which extended over a period of four years, made important collections of the fauna, flora, and curiosities of the country, together with a large number of drawings. The author's name is perpetuated by the naming of Burchell's Zebra (equus burchelli), a species of quagga discovered by him in the country immediately to the north of the Orange River. He was also the first to mention the existence of asbestos in this part of the country. The illustrations in this volume are characterized by great beauty and accuracy. The coloured plates are particularly admired. The work is now extremely scarce, many copies having been broken up in the middle of the nineteenth century for the plates." (Mendelssohn) Condition: Complete in original publisher's binding which is distressed

227mm x 288mm

R35,000

See also Letter by Burchell