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a set of four books sitting on top of each other on a white surfacea book with a picture of a woman sitting on a bench
Ader

51 - [GEOFFROY DE VILLENEUVE (René Claude)].
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Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
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Description
[GEOFFROY DE VILLENEUVE (René Claude)]. Africa, or the History, Manners, Practices and Customs of the Africans. Senegal. Paris: Nepveu, 1814. — 4 volumes in-18, 133 x 79: frontispiece, viij, iv, 171 pp., 25 pp., pp. (173)–(174), 6 plates; (2 ff.), 176, ij pp., 1 map, 9 plates; map, (2 ff.), 222 pp. incorrectly paginated as 22, 9 plates; (2 ff.), 218 pp., 19 plates. Dark blue long-grain morocco, cold-stamped border on the covers, gilt dots at the corners, plain spine decorated with cold-stamped fillets, gilt interior edge, gilt edges (contemporary binding). A sought-after first edition of this account of Senegal. Geoffroy de Villeneuve draws on his first-hand experience of the continent. After two journeys to Africa (1785–1788) alongside the Chevalier de Boufflers, then Governor of Senegal, and a two-year stay in Senegal and Gorée – where he learnt Wolof – he explored the interior among the local princes, on the orders of the French government. These first-hand observations, supplemented by research into the writings of other travellers and verified with the colony’s chiefs, enabled him to paint a precise and authentic picture of the region. As the author explains in his preface, the publication of this book took on particular significance following the 1814 peace treaty, which returned Senegal to France (from Cestadin to Cap Blanc, as far as the river in Sierra Leone), thereby heightening the French public’s interest in this history. The edition is illustrated with two maps and 44 plates, the majority in colour, engraved from authentic drawings (most of which were executed on site). A fine copy in contemporary morocco leather, from the library of Lord Northwick. Some normal wear and scuffing to the bindings. Scattered foxing, creases on a few leaves. Provenance: Lord Northwick, with bookplate.
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About the sale Claude Mozis Library – Black Africa and the African diaspora
Auction location
Auction time 10/21/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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