Narrative of an expedition to explore the river Zaire, usually called the Congo, in South Africa, in 1816 [...]. To which is added, the Journal of Professor Smith; some general observations on the country and its inhabitants; and an appendix: containing the natural history of that part of the kingdom of Congo through which the Zaire flows [...].

4to: [8]-lxxxii-498-[2] pp. (foxing - esp. to pl. -, pl. sl. browned, tear strengthened to half title).

Contemp. three-quarter green shagreen, green cloth on covers, gilt orn. flat spine (spine and upper parts of covers faded, partly rubbed). Uncut copy.

First edition of the official account of Tuckey's expedition to the river Zaire with 2 vessels, the "Congo" and the "Dorothy". The expedition was not successful and led to the death of Tuckey (1776-1816); his journal was published by permission of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Ill. with a folding map, some ill. in text and 13 engr. numb. plates (II-XIV, 1 coloured) by James Fittles after Hawkey or Basire depicting views ("The Fetiche Rock, looking down the river"), figures in low-relief on the face of the Fetiche Rock, etc.
Ref. Chadenat 4825. - Voyages & Travel 218. - BL London. - BnF (3).
Prov. Mod. ms. entries. - Unidentified armorial blind stamp on title.