Description
BRUCE (James).
Maps and illustrations from the journey to Nubia and Abyssinia.
Paris: Plassan, 1792. — In-4, 270 x 202: (2 ff.), 88 plates. Grey Bradel-style cloth, covers lined with wood-grain paper, smooth spine, untrimmed (modern binding).
The only atlas intended to accompany the French edition, published between 1790 and 1792, of *A Journey to the Sources of the Nile, through Nubia and Abyssinia, during the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771 and 1772 by the Scottish traveller James Bruce, and of *Paterson’s Journey amongst the Hottentots and the Kaffirs*.
James Bruce travelled through much of Ethiopia over a period of four years, in search of the true sources of the Nile. He believed he had discovered them, when in fact they were merely the Abyssinian Nile, also known as the Blue Nile, Bah-rel-Azrek or Abaï, which had already been described by his predecessors. His account was met with scepticism by the public upon its publication, as the facts described therein aroused doubt and bewilderment amongst incredulous scholars and explorers. The truth of his account was only recognised much later, thanks to the travellers Combes, Tamisier and Léon Delaborde – with the exception, of course, of his discovery of the sources of the Nile.
The atlas comprises 88 plates depicting the fauna, flora, costumes, antiquities and views of the countries visited, as well as four large fold-out maps. Plates 1 to 68 relate to James Bruce’s journey, whilst the others relate to Paterson’s.
Copy in a modern binding.
Title page and a few plates are soiled. Tears at the bottom of the first two leaves and the first four plates. Corner repairs on the final plates. A few very rare, minor water stains.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Claude Mozis Library – Black Africa and the African diaspora
Auction location
Auction time
10/21/2026 at 2:00 PM
Lot description modified on 10/02/2026 at 9:36 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like