Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa: Performed under the Direction and Patronage of the African Association, in the years 1795, 1796 and 1797 [With] The Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, in the Year 1805

London: Bulmer and Co; Murray, 1799-1815. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 11" by 8". None. The first edition of these important African travel works based on Mungo Park's missions. Park's writings and journals became an immediate success and a staple in Africana and travel literature. A set, in their contemporary bindings, rebacked with the original boards preserved. Uncommon to see both volumes together. The first edition of both works. Both volumes are complete with errata and half title as required. An important work on the botany and meteorology of this African region, including a commentary on the local customs Park encountered. These two volumes look at the career of Scottish explorer and influential author, Mungo Park. The first work regards his expeditions in 1795-1797. The second work regards his final mission in Africa in 1805. Prior to Park's publication of 'Travels in the Interior Districts' very little was known regarding the interior of Africa in Britain. The African Association charged Park with the task of exploring the Niger. He travelled eastward from the English factory at Pisania along the River Gambia where he reached the Niger at Segou before following its course for around one hundred miles before turning back. To the first work there are six plates and three maps, as called for. With the Errata to the first work, as called for. This second work follows Park's 1805 expedition whereby he attempted to navigate the Niger by canoe, with a hope to find its mouth. Following the loss of several men on this journey, Park's own life was lost during an alleged altercation with some Moors along the Niger. Park had already sent his journals to Gambia, where they were first published in this work. 'The Journal' has an attached account of Park's life. With one folding map to 'The Journal' as called for. Collated, both volumes are complete. A scarce opportunity to own first edition volumes of these important travel works and rarely seen complete. In the contemporary calf bindings, rebacked with the original boards preserved 'Travels in the Interior Districs' is in a speckled calf binding with 'The Journal' in a marbled calf binding. Externally, both volumes are very smart with minor shelfwear to the boards. Prior owner's inscription to the title page for 'The Journal' E Monckton. Internally, both volumes are firmly bound. Prior owner's inscription in pencil to the verso of front endpaper to 'Travels in..' Insect damage to the edge of pages to first few leaves, iii-xiv of the Appendix and rear endpapers to 'Travels In'. Loss is to margins only. Pages are generally bright. Occasional offsetting from plates to 'Travels In'. Otherwise, occasional scattered spots to pages. Very Good