George Grenfell and the Congo.

London: Hutchinson & Co.,, 1908. From the notes of a pioneering explorer "second only to Stanley" First edition, first impression, of this study of the work of the Cornish missionary and explorer George Grenfell, published two years after his death in Basoko from backwater fever. It comes with 496 illustrations from photographs and 14 maps, showing all aspects of Congolese culture and society. George Grenfell (1849-1906) was a Baptist missionary who travelled widely in central Africa and for whom "the loss of an eye in early life in no way impaired his energy" (ODNB). He was first sent to Cameroon in 1874, moving to the Congo in 1878, where he would establish a number of new mission stations. He explored many of the country's rivers, such as the Congo, Kasai, Sankuru, and Lulua, making contact with the Batwa tribe among others. In 1887 he was awarded the Patron's Medal by the Royal Geographical Society for his detailed account of his travels. Sixteen years later in 1903 he protested to King Leopold against consistent refusal of the Congo Free State authorities to allow further Baptist advance beyond Yakusu on the Upper Congo. This work is an account of Grenfell's activities in the Congo and Cameroon, based on the notes he left when he suddenly died. It covers anthropology, colonial and pre-colonial history, material culture, botany, and language. It was written by the colonial administrator Sir Harry Johnston (1858-1927), who was influential in many parts of the "scramble for Africa" and published roughly 40 books about the continent. Johnston used his own research to supplement Grenfell's, especially with his photographs and illustrations of the scenery of the island of Fernando Po. Johnston also included his views of the Congo Free State, paying attention to both its achievements and notorious misdeeds. 2 vols, octavo. Sepia photogravure frontispieces with tissue guards, 6 maps (3 folding, one in full colour), illustrations from photographs and maps in text. Original black cloth, spines lettered in gilt, covers stamped with double-fillet border in blind, top edges gilt. Extremities slightly bumped and rubbed, foot of vol. II boards rather worn, some minor internal foxing, maps bright with light foxing and a few closed tears sympathetically repaired: a very good set. N. W. Thomas, "Sir Harry Johnston on 'George Grenfell and the Congo'", Journal of the Royal African Society, vol. 8, no. 29, 1908.