Description
LENZ (Oskar).
Timbuktu: A Journey through Morocco, the Sahara and Sudan.
Paris: Librairie Hachette et Cie, 1886–1887. — 2 volumes, in-8, 235 x 153: XII, 467 pp., 2 plates; (2 ff.), 438 pp., 4 plates, 1 map. Bordeaux half-chagrin, decorated ribbed spine, speckled edges (contemporary binding).
French first edition, translated from the German by Pierre Lehautecourt.
This text recounts the journey of Oskar Lenz (1848–1925), a German-Austrian geologist, mineralogist and explorer, who undertook his first trans-Saharan expedition from Morocco to Senegal between 1879 and 1880, motivated by a desire to study the region’s geology and search for iron ore deposits. Accompanied by Cristobal Benítez, he became the fourth European to reach Timbuktu, after Laing, Caillié and Barth. He stayed there for three weeks in July.
The account is divided into two parts, described by the author in his preface as follows: ‘The first consists of a description of my journey through Morocco, on either side of the Atlas Mountains, as far as the more or less independent region of Sidi-Hécham. This is followed by a study of the governmental, political and social situation of the Moroccan Empire, in which the reader will probably find a great deal of new information. The second part describes my journey across the desert to Timbuktu, and from there to Senegal. In conclusion, I address a number of issues relating to the Trans-Saharan railway, the ancient population of the Sahara, and so on, which have been the subject of much debate in recent times.’
The edition is illustrated with 52 black-and-white engravings, including 6 full-page plates, 14 full-page illustrations and 32 in-text illustrations, carved from wood based on photographs as well as the author’s own drawings. It also includes a colour fold-out map showing the route taken by Oskar Lenz.
Spine faded, normal wear and tear. Foxing. Small tear, with no material missing, on the map.
Provenance:
General Raoul Vaudable (1914–1991), with bookplate.
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
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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