Narrative of an Exploring Voyage up the Rivers Kwo'ra and Bi'nue (Commonly Known as the Niger and Tsádda) in 1854. Published with the Sanction of Her Majesty's Government.

BAIKIE, William Balfour.

Published by London: John Murray, 1856

About this Item

First edition. The voyage "had been exceptionally profitable in terms of its trade in ivory and had shown that the Niger provided a viable route into the interior. The region was found to be teeming with wildlife and to have fertile soils abounding in valuable vegetable products, and friendly relations were established with many local tribes" (Howgego). Having ingratiated himself with the geologist Sir Roderick Murchison, Baikie (1825-1864) was appointed surgeon and naturalist to the 1854 Niger expedition, which aimed to ascend the Niger in a purpose-built steamer, establish a trading settlement in the interior, and rendezvous with the German explorer Heinrich Barth. "On the death of John Beecroft at Fernando Po, Baikie took command of the expedition. He demonstrated the navigability of the Niger and the value of quinine as a prophylactic against malaria. He clarified the topography of the area, providing information for a map by John Arrowsmith" (ODNB). Baikie returned to England in February 1855 and he soon "proudly presented to the public his important Narrative of an Exploring Voyage" (Howgego). Howgego IV B6. Octavo (217 x 140 mm). Wood-engraved frontispiece of the Pleiad, folding ship plan lithographed by Ford & West, folding map by John Arrowsmith based on the expedition's findings, vignette title page. Contemporary calf, black spine label, raised bands, compartments with gilt foliate corner tools, gilt central lozenges, double-ruled gilt panel to boards, scrolling blind roll on turn-ins, marbled endpapers and edges. Marking to boards, extremities retouched, front inner hinge repaired and relined with marbled paper, folding plan a little proud and with small tape reinforcement to fold on verso, similar reinforcement at stub of map.

Seller Inventory # 174283

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Narrative of an Exploring Voyage up the Rivers Kwo'ra and Bi'nue (Commonly Known as the Niger and Tsádda) in 1854. Published with the Sanction of Her Majesty's Government.
• Publisher: London: John Murray, 1856
• Edition: 1st Edition