STEDMAN | Narrative of a five years' expedition against the revolted negroes of Surinam, 1813

STEDMAN, JOHN GABRIEL

NARRATIVE OF A FIVE YEARS’ EXPEDITION AGAINST THE REVOLTED NEGROES OF SURINAM… SECOND EDITION, CORRECTED. LONDON: J. JOHNSON AND TH. PAYNE, 1813

2 volumes, 4to (265 x 205mm.), dedication, list of subscribers, engraved titles with hand-coloured vignettes, 81 hand coloured plates and maps (16 BY WILLIAM BLAKE), a few folding, contemporary calf, 2d3 in volume 2 defective with loss, binding rebacked

Stedman served in the Scots Brigade, a regiment of mercenary troops that had been established by the Netherlands to help protect its constitutional interests. In 1772, he volunteered to accompany the expedition sent by the States-General to subdue the insurgents in Dutch Guiana. However, the book takes a strong anti-slavery stance (as witnessed by the involvement of the progressive William Blake): Stedman describes the cruelties practiced on the slaves, and shows the moral deterioration of their masters.

LITERATURE:

Abbey, Travel 719; Sabin 91075

PROVENANCE:

Herbert G. Squiers, bookplate

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