About The Book
Journal of the Discovery of The Source of The Nile by John Hanning Speke published by William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London, 1863. 1st Edition. pp xxxii, 658, including publisher's catalogue at the rear of the book. Lacks half-title page.
Both maps are present and in very good condition, with the large folding map in pocket at rear. Engraved portrait frontispiece of Speke, engraved portrait of Grant. 24 detailed plates from wood engravings and numerous b/w illustrations in the text.
One of the cornerstone books of African
exploration, in this Speke describes his search for the fabled source of the
Nile. Accompanied by James A. Grant, the author trekked from the coast into the
highlands around then unknown Lake Victoria from whence the Nile flowed. After
crossing the Ajagara Range, the party trekked into Mgunda Mkhali where
rhinoceros and buffalo were hunted. Later, as they crossed into the kingdom of
Uganda, rhino and hippopotamus were bagged. They continued their trek down the
Nile where buffalo, eland, and rhinoceros were stalked before finally
encountering the camp of Samuel White Baker. Speke actually labored over his
scientific and scholarly discoveries, much preferring sport. (Czech,
Bibliography of African Big Game Hunting Books.)
Widely regarded as
the best description of Uganda and its people and their life and customs. His
detailed account of Mutesa I and his court, chapters 11 to 14, are historically
of the greatest importance, and the woodcut illustrations have great interest.
(Collison, Uganda)
There is some minor professional paper repair to the gutter of the dedication page but this is unobtrusive. The bulk of the text and plates are clean, there is some minor foxing and marking to some pages and plates. There is an old very small tape repair to a tear in plate facing p.66 which it was felt best to leave in situ (see photo). The photos give a good summary of general condition. Overall a very nice, complete (excepting half-title) copy of an important book which is rarely found in good condition (Blackwood's having a poor reputation for quality). Now in a very attractive and sympathetic period binding.
About The Binding
Recently bound to period style in half hand-dyed calf with twin red and black morocco labels. Raised bands to spine with full gilt decoration to spine panels. Twin gilt lines to boards/corners. Period marbled paper sides, hand-sewn silk headbands. All gilt work tooled by hand in 23.5 carat English gold leaf. The binding is in fine condition.
About The Binder
Andrew Sims is a period bookbinder from Wales who specialises in traditional fine bookbinding and restoration of antiquarian books. For the past decade Andrew's bindings have been finding their way into private collections all over the world, both directly and via his many bookseller customers. You can find out more about his work at www.andrewsims.co.uk