LIVINGSTONE, David (1813-1873). Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa. London: John Murray, 1857.

First edition of Livingstone’s acclaimed work aimed at promoting British commerce in Africa as a means to eliminate the slave trade. David Livingstone made significant scientific and exploratory discoveries during his missionary expeditions. Despite missionary stories being a popular genre at the time, Livingstone chose instead to publish with John Murray, who specialized in travel literature. The combination of missionary narrative, travelogue, and scientific discovery made Missionary Travels an instant success with the public. Third issue with the folding frontispiece and plates opposite pages 66 and 225 in black and white. Norman 1377; Mendelssohn 908-911; Abbey 347.

Octavo (221 x 135mm). Folding lithographed frontispiece, engraved portrait by W. Holl after Henry Phillips, folding printed table with wood engraved illustration, two lithographed folding maps with hand-coloring, 22 plates, and numerous in-text illustrations (engraved portrait somewhat foxed, small tear to the margin of the second folding map). Original brown publisher’s cloth with gilt stamped title on the spine, terracotta endpapers (a bit worn, hinges cracked).