[South Africa] Le Vaillant, François Voyage de Monsier le Vaillant dans l'intérieur de

[South Africa] Le Vaillant, François Voyage de Monsier le Vaillant dans l'intérieur de l'Afrique par le cap de Bonne-Espérance dans les années 1788, 81, 82, 83, 84 & 85. Paris: Leroy, 1790. First edition, 2 volumes, 8vo, frontispiece and 11 plates [including the rare suppressed Hottentott plate (plate no. 7 at p.346, vol. 2), 2 folding; Second Voyage dans l'intérieur de l'Afrique par le cap de Bonne-Espérance, dans les années 1783, 84 et 85. Paris: H.J. Jansen, l'an 3 de La République. First edition, 3 volumes, 8vo, 22 engraved plates (5 folding) and large folding map, errata leaf in each volume; together 5 volumes, 8vo, contemporary tree calf, spines gilt, green morocco lettering pieces, gilt edges Qty: (5) Note: A very fine set of first editions of both Le Vaillant's travels in South Africa. Le Vaillant’s work (comprising both voyages) “was attacked when published, and some of the incidents were declared to be either exaggerated or altogether invented. It is, however, interesting as an account of South Africa at a time when comparatively little was known regarding its natural history and the Dutch settlers” (Cox I, p.389). The first work is dedicated to "Monsieur Boers, Fiscal Indépendent" who befriended Le Vaillant after he had lost all his possessions in the ship Middleburg which was blown up by British forces as an act of war. Mr Boers, with Captain Robert Jacob Gordon, Commander of the troops at the Cape, assisted Le Vaillant to prepare for his journeys into the interior. His first journey took him to Hottentot Holland, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, the Knysna country, Algoa Bay, Fish River, the Karroo and back to Saldanha Bay. The second voyage, dedicated to "Citoyen Varon", took him across Namaqualand, Damaraland, parts of Bechuanaland and the Kalahari.