Narrative of an expedition to explore the river Zaire, usually called the Congo, in South Africa, in 1816, under the direction of Captain J.K. Tuckey, R.N. 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: [6]-lxxxii-498 [= 490] pp.; 14 pl. (sm. tears in the margin of fold. map, browning and spotting, esp. on the pl.).

Contemp. half calf, marbled paper on covers, gilt-orn. spine with raised bands, marbled edges (corners rubbed and sl. bumped, def. on spine, front cover loose).

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 succesfull and caused 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.
ref. Chadenat 4825. - Voyages & Travel 218. - Gay 3059. - BnF.
Prov. Bookseller's labels. - Ms. entry on flyleaf.