Voyage [...] dans l'intérieur de l'Afrique, par le Cap de Bonne-Espérance, dans les années 1780, 81, 82, 83, 84 & 85.

2 vol., 8vo: front.-xxiv-383, [2]-403 pp.; 11 pl. (occ. foxing).

Contemp. half sheep, pink paper on boards, gilt-orn. flat spines, marbled edges (rubbed, joints split and head missing to vol. II).

First edition of Levaillant's first Cape travels (a deluxe 4to edition was published the same year). As a gunner's mate for the Dutch East India Company from 1780 to 1785, Levaillant was able to study the bird and animal life in their natural habitat, returning with over 2000 specimens of birds, insects, mammals and plants. Illustrated with 12 plates: frontispiece, 2 fold. views and 9 plates representing natives anf fauna.
Ref. Nissen (ZBI) 2480. - Cox I:390. - Gay 3118. - Cp. Chadenat 1660.