DENHAM, Dixon (1786–1828) and Hugh CLAPPERTON

DENHAM, Dixon (1786–1828) and Hugh CLAPPERTON (1788–1827). Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823, and 1824…Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire. London: Thomas Davison for John Murray, 1826. 2 parts in one, 4to (282 x 222 mm). Large folding engraved map, 37 engraved and etched plates, charts and maps (35 on india paper mounted, 28 present in two states including a proof state before letters and also on india paper mounted), wood–engraved illustrations. (Lacking the original signature c in the second part [pp. 9–16 of Clapperton’s Journal of an Excursion] but is now supplied from a slightly shorter copy of the first edition. The mistaken signature c [pp. xvii–xxiv of the introduction] that was bound in error is now excised and laid into a folding case and is noted in a contemporary hand as being a “mistake”. Small repair to inner blank margin of plate list at rear). Contemporary red paper–covered boards, leather lettering–piece gilt (rebacked preserving original spine and label); folding case with morocco labels gilt. FIRST EDITION of “the most interesting and important work yet published on the subject of African researches” (Lowndes). PUBLISHER'S PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed to “John Major Esq. from the Publisher” on dedication leaf verso. Probably “one of very few copies printed upon thick paper for presents only” (op.cit.). According to Lowndes there were three issues: the regular issue, a special issue with the plates on india paper, and then a third issue “for presents only”. We are unable to locate a copy that has both plates on india paper and being printed on thick paper. ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER ISSUES OF THIS MASTERPIECE OF AFRICAN TRAVEL. Lowndes I, p. 629; Howgego II:D18.