- 22
Baker, Samuel White
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- The Nile Tributaries of Abyssinia and the Sword Hunters of the Hamran Arabs. London: Macmillan and Co., 1867
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 8vo (222 x 139mm.), engraved double-portrait frontispiece, 2 colour maps, one folding, 23 wood-engraved plates after sketches by Baker, original pictorial blue cloth gilt, terracotta endpapers, spotting to title and frontispiece, spine slightly dulled
[with, loosely inserted:] AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED ("Sam. W. Baker"), to "Dear Sir", hoping for further discussion of innovative schemes for opening central Africa by means of railways, including rails "constituted entirely of creosoted wood" and a single rail system, 4 pages, 8vo, headed stationery of Sandford Orleigh, Newton Abbot, 20 March [n.y.], docketed by recipient, remains of guard on first page with loss of a few letters
[with, loosely inserted:] AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED ("Sam. W. Baker"), to "Dear Sir", hoping for further discussion of innovative schemes for opening central Africa by means of railways, including rails "constituted entirely of creosoted wood" and a single rail system, 4 pages, 8vo, headed stationery of Sandford Orleigh, Newton Abbot, 20 March [n.y.], docketed by recipient, remains of guard on first page with loss of a few letters
Literature
Czech (Africa) p.11; Hilmy I p.50
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A very good copy of Baker's summary of his exploration of all the Nile tributaries in Abyssinia. "A classic of exploration and big game hunting" (Czech). During his year-long journey he had the opportunity of learning Arabic and of studying the character of the people; "both necessary acquirements, which led to my ultimate success in reaching the Albert N'yanza" (pp.x-xi). He also gained the admiration of the Hamran Arabs through his hunting prowess.