ADANSON, MICHEL:
Histoire naturelle du Sénégal. Coquillages. Avec une relation abrégée d'un voyage fait en ce pays pendant les années 1749, 50, 51, 52 et 53. Paris, Claude-Jean-Baptiste Bache, 1757.
. 4to. Pp. (viii), 190; (ii), xcvi, 275. With one large folding map and 19 folding plates depicting molluscs and shells engraved by Thérèse Reboul after sketches by the author. Contemporary calf, spine gilt with five raised bands and title-label, rubbed, spine worn, hinges cracked. Marbled endpapers, r.e. Bookplate (Bruce of Kinnaird). Provenance: James Bruce (1730-94), a Scottish explorer who introduced Ethiopia to the western world and confirmed the source of the Blue Nile. First edition of an early scientific expedition to Senegal. The first part deals with Adanson's voyage and explorations in Senegal, including the Island of Gorée and the River Senegal. The second part is devoted to the history of conchology and molluscs. Michel Adanson (1727-1806) was a French botanist who entered the service of the French East India Company in order to study the natural history of Senegal. He intended to publish a monumental treatise of the country's fauna and flora but only this volume appeared. Internally a clean and crisp copy. Chadenat 2760. Cox i, p. 383. Gay 2883. Howgego A12. Nissen ZBI 27.
Charlotte Du Rietz Rare Books
Professional sellerBook number: 23078
€ 2400.00 [Appr.: US$ 2636.53 | £UK 2014 | JP¥ 390425]
Keywords: Africa, africa, afrika, africana, afrique, afrikana, natural history, senegal, gambia, west africa, botany, conch, shells, molusc, travel, exploration, island of Gorée, île de Gorée