Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee, with a statistical account of that kingdom, and geographical notices of other parts of the interior of Africa.

4to: [6 (of 8)]-[2]-512 pp.; 16 pls (a1 blank, not present, minor spotting and foxing, sm. tear, browing esp. due to paper quality and colouring of engravings, some plate offsetting).

Cont. half calf with small corners, gilt ruled spine, marbled paper covers (front cover detached, small wears on the covers, edges rubbed, corners bumped).

First edition of this work on the Ashanti people (now part of Ghana) by the British traveller Bowdich (1790-1824) who was sent to Cape Coast and Kumasi in the service of the African Company of Merchants that was operating from 1752 to 1821 in the Gold Coast area of modern Ghana. With descriptions on the geography, history, language, customs, etc. Engr. ills: 2 engr. maps with 1 folding entitled "Discoveries & Improvements in the Geography of Western Africa" by J. Walker, "Arabic Circular," 10 coloured aquatints: 6 half-page, 2 full-page, 1 double page and 1 folding pl. depicting the Yam Custom by R. Havell after a drawing of T.E. Bowdich, 2 music sheets (5 pls) and the wood-engraved "Ichonographical Sketch of Coomassie" (a street map). Ref. Abbey, Travel in Aquatint and Lithography, 279. Prov. John Ewart Davies (bookpl.); George Harwood (bookpl.).