In Darkest Africa; or, The Quest, Rescue, and Retreat of Emin, Governor of Equatoria (2 vols)

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Two large octavo volumes (23cm). Publisher's pictorial green cloth-covered boards; xvi,[1]-547; xvi,[1]-540; engraved portrait frontispiece to each volume and 43 inserted leaves of plates; text illustrations; large folding map ("Map of the Great Forest Region, showing the routes of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition") in rear pocket of v.1; two smaller folding maps ("Map of the Route of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition" and "Map of the Emin Pasha's Province" in rear pocket of v.2. Usual splits at folds to the maps, which are otherwise in fresh, clean condition; both volumes clean, straight, and tight, with hinges unstressed and contents fresh and free of foxing; a Near Fine set. Bookseller's ticket of the "Protective Association Publishers & Booksellers" to rear free endpaper of first volume. Stanley's account of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition of 1888-1890, a mission undertaken in the service of King Leopold of Belgium - nominally to rescue Emin Pasha, governor of Equatoria, who by the mid-1880s had found himself isolated and under attack by Mahdist forcest; but with the tacit intent of annexing further territories in the ever-expanding Belgian colony of Congo. Long considered a classic, the work is depressing to read today, a document so rich in colonial self-regard that one is not surprised that the mission's less savory aspects, especially its indulgent attitude toward the Zanzibarian slaver Tippu Tip and the cruel treatment of native people by European members of Stanley's crew, go essentially unremarked. Still a key work of imperialist literature, handsomely produced, infrequently found in such nice condition. Seller Inventory # 24541

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