A History of a Voyage to the Coast of Africa, and Travels into the Interior of that Country; Containing Particular descriptions of the Climate and Inhabitants, and interesting particulars concerning the Slave Trade. (1797)(2nd ed.)

Second edition, full leather, Troy, New York, 1797. Includes the occasionally missing frontis. Condition is Good or better: original full leather boards in above average condition with modest general wear. Only the bottom front corners show slightly more than minimal wear. The other corners, edges, spine and hinges are sound. Binding is sound. Leather label on spine still legible although that is not well seen on images. Interior is likewise in good condition. Only writing is old faded ink signature on back free blank. No other writing; mild to moderate foxing throughout. The laid cotton paper pages are still supple and easily read. The title page has a 3 inch closed tear expertly repaired (see image). There are some minor edge tears seen throughout but none affecting text. Paginates: blanks(2), frontis, (i)-180, blank(1). I suspect one rear blank leaf is missing, otherwise paginates complete as issued. Please see images of the book you will receive. Feel free to inquire. Notes: First edition is 1797, Philadelphia. More Notes: Book is recommended to modern readers who want to understand the mindset of those involved in the slave trade including to some extent the Africans themselves who captured and sold slaves to European and Arab traders. And now a summary: Author left New England for South Carolina in search of his fortune where he signed on to a slave ship. His description of Africa and the slave trade is one the earliest by an American. He describes the African tribes, customs, climate, wildlife, plants and British characters he meets along the way. He was able to accumulate gold, ivory and slaves until he himself was made prisoner and lost everything. On the journey back to America the crew, slaves, and the author contracted an illness causing some to die and many survivors to go blind.