Three Visits to Madagascar During the Years 1853-1854-1856

London: John Murray, 1858. First edition. Leather. Good. 8.5" by 5.5". Not Stated. The first edition of this fascinating illustrated travelogue regarding the treatment of Christians in Madagascar during the nineteenth century. The first edition, first impression.A vivid travel work on Madagascar, written by the British missionary William Ellis.Illustrated with a folding plate to the frontispiece, fifteen plates, and in-text engravings.Collated, complete.Ellis first travelled to Madagascar with the London Missionary Society in 1853, though he was refused permissions to go to the capital. The second time he attempted to visit Madagascar he was again refused. In 1856 the Queen permitted him a one month stay, which forms a large portion of this work, which was written in celebration from diaries kept during his time there.In this work, Ellis describes these struggles to gain entry to the Madagascar, as well as discussing the history, culture, and royalty of the island.Gift inscription to the recto of the front free endpaper, 'Alfred Mordaunt Egerton, with the best wishes of his sincere friend, Humphrey F. H. B. Herne, on his leaving Eton, Xmas 1859'. Egerton was a medalled soldier and courter, and father of the chemist Sir Alfred Charles Glyn Egerton. In a full calf binding. Externally, generally smart, with some rubbing and light marks to the boards and spine. Minor bumping to the extremities. Spine is a little faded. Gift inscription to the recto of the front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with a few scattered spots to the first and last few pages. Title page is a little closely trimmed to the tail. Good