Narrative of voyages to explore the shores of Africa, Arabia, and Madagascar;
performed in H.M. ships Leven and Barracouta, under the direction of Captain W.F. Owen, R.N. by command of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
London, Richard Bentley, 1833
Owen's orders were to commence his first survey at the mouth of the Keiskamma to Delagoa Bay and in a second survey travel between Delagoa Bay along the coasts of Sofala and Mozambique. His brief was to gather information regarding the numbers and character of the natives, their occupations, modes of subsistence etc., the nature of the soil and production. In the second instance he should investigate the navigability of the rivers, the Imhamban, the Sofala and Quilimaney to receive particular attention. Owen accurately charted the Arabian Peninsula. He also delineated both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines of South Africa with great accuracy and also began the scientific exploration of the Zambezi.
First edition. 2 volumes, 8vo., xxiii, 434; viii, 420 pp., errata slip, 5 lithograph plates (lightly spotted), 4 folding charts and 6 vignettes, contemporary ink inscription at head of titles, with long loosely inserted autograph letter to the mother of Lt. Henry Gibbons relating the news of his death (the envelope taped to the page in the narrative containing details of his burial), note by Gibbons' sister Mrs J. H. Pindar) tipped-in, contemporary half green calf, spines tanned, one label defective, modern green calf drop-backed box.
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