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First French Edition. 4 Volumes [complete set of two works with 2 Volumes each]. 35.5 cm x 55.8 cm. Collation: complete. Pagination: Volume I: XVI, 403, (1) pages / Volume II: 326, (2) pages including Errata-leaf / Volume III: X, 310 pages / Volume IV: 312 pages. Original contemporary red calf with gilt lettering and ornament to lacquer-polished-spine. The Volumes are numbered consecutively, even though these are two separate works. Excellent condition of the binding and interior of this important publication with very minor signs of foxing only ! All the maps in wonderful condition ! First french edition of "Travels into the Interior of Southern Africa" (Barrow's journey with Lord Macartney in 1797 to the Cape of Good Hope) plus two further Volumes which describe the second journey in 1801 / 1802 to Saldanha Bay [Saldanhabaai] with an early image of Robben Island. The survey of the Dutch colonies was not only a seminal work on South Africa but the beautifully engraved, large folding map of South Africa was a turning point of african cartography and geographical illustration. Volume I and Volume II: "Voyage dans la partie meridionale de l'Afrique; fait dans les années 1797 et 1798"- include the following maps and charts: 1. Carte générale de la colonie du Cap de Bonne Espérance (by Tardieu) / (45.7 x 69.5 cm). 2. Tableau des Bois utiles qui croissent dans la Colonie du Cap de Bonne-Espérance. Volume III and IV: "Nouveau Voyage dans la partie méridionale de l'Afrique"- include the following maps and charts: 1. Baie Mossel, sur la Côte Sud-Est d'Afrique / (24 cm x 30 cm). 2. Plan du Knysna, bras de mer de sept lieues de profondeur a l'ouest de la baie de Plettenberg (James Callander / 30cm x 24.5 cm). 3. Baie de Plettenberg sur la Côte Sud-Est d'Afrique (23 cm x 26 cm). 4. Baie d'Algola sur la Côte Sud-Est d'Afrique (28 cm x 44 cm). 5. Plan Militaire de la Peninsule du Cap 57 cm x 26 cm). 6. Plan de la Baie de la Table au Cap de Bonne-Espérance [avec Ile Robben] (28 cm x 41 cm). 7. Baie False au Cap de Bonne-Espéranceavec les Sondes (28.5 cm x 26 cm). 8. Côte D'Afrique, depuis La Baie de la Table au Cap de Bonne-Espérance, jusqu' a la Baie de Saldanha [avec Tafel Bay ou Baie de la Table / Robben Eyland ou Ile du Veau Marin / Dassen Island ou Ile du Lapin] (78 cm x 28 cm - Panorama - Style - Foldout). In 1797, Barrow accompanied Lord Macartney as private secretary in his important and delicate mission to settle the government of the newly acquired colony of the Cape of Good Hope. Barrow was entrusted with the task of reconciling the Boer settlers and the native Black population and of reporting on the country in the interior. In the course of the trip, he visited all parts of the colony; when he returned, he was appointed auditor-general of public accounts. He then decided to settle in South Africa, married, and bought a house in 1800 in Cape Town. However, the surrender of the colony at the peace of Amiens (1802) upset this plan. During his travels through South Africa, Barrow compiled copious notes and sketches of the countryside that he was traversing. The outcome of his journeys was a map which, despite its numerous errors, was the first published modern map of the southern parts of the Cape Colony. Barrow's descriptions of South Africa greatly influenced Europeans' understanding of South Africa and its peoples. William John Burchell (1781 1863) was particularly scathing: "As to the miserable thing called a map, which has been prefixed to Mr. Barrow s quarto, I perfectly agree with Professor Lichtenstein, that it is so defective that it can seldom be found of any use." In his position at the Admiralty, Barrow was a great promoter of Arctic voyages of discovery, including those of John Ross, William Edward Parry, James Clark Ross and John Franklin. The Barrow Strait in the Canadian Arctic as well as Point Barrow and the city of Barrow in Alaska are named after him. He is reputed to have been the initial proposer of Saint Helen.
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