CAMPBELL, John Travels in South Africa. London, Printed for the Author by T. Rutt, Shacklewell, published by Black and Parry et al., 1815.
8vo. Mid-20th-century half calf over marbled boards, spine with black lettering-piece; pp. [iii]-xv, 582, frontispiece-portrait, folding engraved maps and 8 engraved plates, bound without half-title; a little wear to extremities and marginal chipping to lettering-piece, only light toning and spotting internally, a good copy from the library of the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel with their bookplate and stamp on opposite fly-leaf.
First edition. 'Few Englishmen at that time had performed such a feat, and on his return his appearances on missionary platforms in London and throughout the country were received with enthusiasm' (DNB). 'The directors of the London Missionary Society decided to send the author to South Africa to inspect their settlements, and he sailed on June 24, 1812, arriving at Cape Town in October. Being advised not to go far up country during the fiercest heat of the summer, Mr. Campbell filled up his time by paying visits to Stellenbosch, Caledon and Genadendal.In March he arrived at Bethelsdorp, the main station of the London Society. He proceeded to Albany, and pushing through Kaffraria, saw a good deal of the resident Boersof the interior. Near Graaff-Reinert the party met the celebrated Traveller, burchell, and later on they journeyed through the Snewburg and Bushmen's Country till they reached Klaar Water, from which place they pushed on for Lattakoo. There is an interesting account of the chief and his people, with some notes on the Wankentzens, an adjoining tribe who, seven years before had massacred Dr. Cowan and a party of over twenty Europeans. A visit was paid to Namaqualand, and there are some notes upon that country and Damaraland' (Mendelssohn, noting the third edition only).
#2117970