Travels to discover the source of the Nile, in the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, and 1773 in five volumes by James Bruce of Kinnaird

Object Details

Notes: Engraved title vignettes; head-pieces; Errata: last p. of v.5; Plates signed Heath sc; Vol. 5, has added half title: Appendix; v.5 has title: "Select specimens of natural history, collected in travels to discover the source of the Nile, in Egypt, Arabia, Abyssinia, and Nubia"; Also available online.; SCNHRB has two copies.; SCNHRB c. 1 (39088004294336, 39088004294344, 39088004294351, 39088004294369, 39088004294377) imperfect: lacking plates in v.2.; SCNHRB c. 1 has ink signatures of Walter Ferson (?) and H. Friedmann and dated Sept. 12, 1901 on front free enpapers; t.p.'s stamped: Smithsonian Institution National Museum Jul 12 1932 C 291293-7.; SCNHRB c. 1 has ms. "List of plates", [1] leaf bound-in at end of v.5.; SCNHRB c. 1 half bound in recent brown cloth and calf; original bookseller's label: Hookham and Carpentar in v.1.; SCNHRB c. 2 (39088012040531, 39088012040572, 39088012040614, 39088012040655, 39088012040697) has bookplate: Smithsonian Institution Libraries. The Russell E. Train Africana Collection.; SCNHRB c. 2 does not have the errata at end of v.5.; SCNHRB c. 2 in tree calf binding with gilt rolls, yellow edges; gilt decorated spine with raised bands, title in gilt within red and green spine labels; marbled endpapers. Laid-in is slip: with compliments and thanks from Period Book Binders, Bath.; Elecresource
Contents: Bk. 1. The author's travels in Egypt. Voyage in the Red Sea, till his arrival at Masuah -- bk. 2. Account of the first ages of the Indian and African trade. The first peopling of Abyssinia and Atbara. Some conjectures concerning the origin of language there -- bk. 3. Annals of Abyssinia, translated from the original -- bk. 4. Annals of Abyssinia, translated from the original. Continuation of the annals -- bk. 5. Account of my journey from Masuah to Gondar. Transactions there. Manners and customs of the Abyssians -- bk. 6. First attempt to discover the source of the Nile frustrated. A successful journey thither, with a full account of every thing relating to that celebrated river -- bk. 7. Return from the source of the Nile to Gondar. Transactions there. Battle of Serbraxos, and its consequences. The author prepares to leave Abyssinia -- bk. 8. The author returns by Sennaar through Nubia and the Great Desert. Arrives at Alexandria, and after at Marseilles

Data Source: Smithsonian Libraries

Date: 1790; 18th century

Call number: DT377 .B887 1790; DT377.B887

author: Bruce, James 1730-1794
Author: Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian Libraries) DSI

Type: Biography; Pre-Linnean works; Ouvrages prélinnéens; Early works to 1800; Ouvrages avant 1800; Bookplates (Provenance); Early works; Exploration literature; History; Maps; Tree calf bindings (Binding)

Physical description: 5 volume, [62] leaves of plates (3 folded) illustrations (engravings), maps, plans 33 cm. (4to)

Place: Africa; Ethiopia; Éthiopie; Egypt; Nile River; Égypte; Nil (Fleuve); Tana, Lake; Nile River Valley

Title: Bruce's Travels DSI

Topic: Explorers; Natural history; Expeditions--history; Sciences naturelles; Discoveries in geography; Travel; Description and travel; Antiquities; History; Discovery and exploration; Descriptions et voyages; Histoire; Découverte et exploration; Social life and customs

Record ID: siris_sil_12368

Usage: CC0