First edition of Grandpré’s account of his 1786–87 trading expedition along the West African coast.
Description: 2 vols., bound in contemp. mottled calf, with board edges in gilt, flat spine lettered and decorated in gilt. Octavo: 20 × 13 cm; pp.: (vol.1): [2]ll., 32, xxviii, 226; (vol.2): [2]ll., 320. With 13 engravings (8 folded plates and 3 folded maps and plans). ¶
Ref.: Gay 3014; Henze ii, 387 ¶
Condition: Bindings show very minor abrasions and marks of usage; a discolouration in the form of a thin, curved line on the upper board of vol. 1; short splits at head and foot of joints of vol. 2. Inner joints sound. Pages generally bright and clean, though slightly toned with age. Plates with occasional marginal fraying and some age-toning to the edges. ¶
Notes: The account published in 1801 as “Voyage à la côte occidentale d’Afrique” describes his observations and experiences during a trading mission along the West African coast in 1786–87. The French naval officer Louis Ohier de Grandpré (1761–1846) proved to be a keen observer of the customs and traditions of the natives. He describes in detail the nature, products and conditions of trade, in particular the slave trade and the atrocities committed by French slave traders against West Africans over the centuries.
Offered by Georg Schneebeli
$2590
To purchase, contact books@georg-schneebeli.com
Leave a Reply