Abyssinia [Ethiopia] Parkyns, Mansfield

Abyssinia [Ethiopia] Parkyns, Mansfield Life in Abyssinia: being notes collected during Three Years' Residence and Travels in that Country. London: John Murray, 1853. First edition, 2 volumes, 8vo, 18 plates, folding map, 13 text illustrations, mottled calf, spines gilt, red and black morocco lettering pieces, signatures to endpaper of Reginal Huth, 20th April 1910 Qty: (2) Note: A fine copy. Parkyns spent over three years in Abyssinia, which he described in his travel book Life in Abysssinia : being notes collected during three years' residence and travels in that country. The first edition of the book was published in two volumes by the English publisher John Murray in 1853. It was dedicated to Lord Palmerston, and made many references to and comments on the famous Scottish traveller James Bruce, who had travelled to Abyssinia between the years 1768 and 1773. For the second edition, published in 1868, the author wrote a completely new introduction dealing with recent Abyssinian history and methods of government at the time of the Abyssinian expedition commanded by Robert Napier, 1st Baron Napier of Magdala. In short, Parkyns described the political changes which had occurred after he left the country. He was hoping to offer the Victorian reader "a tolerably accurate idea of Abyssinia and Abyssinians". The book consists of 41 chapters which are divided into two volumes. Each of them covers different subjects, including travel, manners and customs. The first volume describes the journey from the coast to the capital and Parkyns's visit to the northern provinces, encounters with others, learning local languages and gaining new experiences. The second volume describes Abyssinian manners and customs, natural history and Parkyns's route from Adoua to Abou Kharraz on the Blue Nile. In total there are 33 illustrations after Parkyns's own watercolours. A map at the end of the books shows a part of Abyssinia and Nubia to illustrate Parkyns's journeys. In the introduction to his book Parkyns stated that it was neither a scientific work nor an entertaining one, but a faithful account of what he witnessed and experienced during his time in Abyssinia. Parkyns was particularly interested in learning about Abyssinian customs and its natural history. He took careful observations on native birds that he had never seen before. He believed that by identifying with the natives he could attain the best results, so on leaving Massawa he decided to eschew European comforts and throughout his time in Abyssinia he wore only Abyssinian clothes, walked barefoot, had an Abyssinian hairstyle, and ate whatever was offered to him. He gave detailed descriptions of, amongst other things, Abyssinian manners and customs, habits, personal appearance, births and marriages, deaths and funerals, religion and superstitions. Provenance: Reginald Huth (1853-1926), Collector of Coins and Medals, son of Charles Frederick Huth, art collector.