Travels in Central Africa, and explorations of the Western Nile tributaries.

London: Tinsley Brothers, 1869 Two volumes; (vol. 1) xx, 332 pp.; (vol. 2) xiv, [ii], 272 printed pages. with the 30-page publisher's catalogue at the end of vol. 2, 2 folding maps [identical, as is correct]; 11 plates, illustrations in text (Vol. 1: 37 engraved illustrations, including frontispiece portrait, 5 plates, and 31 illustrations in text; one lithographic folding map by James Wyld. Vol. 2: 12 engraved illustrations, including frontispiece, 4 plates, and 7 illustrations in text; one lithographic folding map by James Wyld). Contemporary owner's signature and inscriptions on front paste-down endpapers, verso of front free endpaper and on half-title of vol. 2. (Charles Payton, 3 Crompton Road, Vechells, Birmingham. January 1882). Light foxing on preliminary and final leaves and occasionally throughout. 22 x 15 cm. Original publisher's pictorial purple cloth gilt, dark green endpapers. Spines slightly faded and rubbed with a little light historic staining; wear to head and tail of spines; corners slightly bumped and worn; in all a clean set. Provenance: Charles Payton was a jeweller & in 1849 established his business as C. Payton and Sons, manufacturers of every description of Gem Rings, Signet Rings, Expanding Bracelets, 9ct. and 18ct. Brooches, Necklets, Pendants, Bracelets, Lockets, Cigarette Cases, Chains, etc. & members of Birmingham Jewellers' and Silversmiths' Association. Travels in Central Africa is based on notes, letters, and journal entries, most written by Kate Petherick, during the journey. John Petherick (1813-82) was a Welsh traveller and trader who travelled extensively in Egypt and Sudan during the 1840s and 1850s; journeys described in Petherick's previous book Egypt, the Soudan and Central Africa (1861). After two years back in Britain during which Petherick married Katherine Walshe (1827-77), the couple returned to Sudan in 1861. Petherick assumed the role of British consul in Khartoum and was commissioned by the Royal Geographic Society to convey needed stores to the trading station at Gondokoro for the expedition of J. H. Speke and James Grant on their return trip from their search for the source of the Nile. The Pethericks travelled up the Nile to Gondokoro with boats and supplies. However, when Speke's arrival became well overdue, the Pethericks headed into the interior on a trading expedition to the Bahr-el-Ghazal and Speke instead accepted the hospitality of Samuel Baker, the great African explorer who the Pethericks found together on their return. Speke never forgave Petherick's absence, and the consul's reputation was badly tarnished. Volume 1 mainly concerns the Nile journey to Gondokoro; volume 2 contains numerous letters as well as details on local flora and fauna that the couple collected during their travels, intended in part to present Petherick's defense. With Appendices on Speke and Baker's Expeditions, and on the fishes of the Nile by Dr. Gunther. A scarce title. Czech (Africa) p. 129; Hess & Coger 1500; Theakstone pp. 329-30; ; Hilmy II, p. 111.. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good.