A mission to Gelele, King of Dahome.

One of Burton's more sensational books. Dahomey had the reputation of being the most bloodthirsty land in Africa. Burton had wished to visit whilst at Fernando Po, but the British government turned down his request. He nevertheless visited secretly for a few days in 1863. Disappointed by what he saw, or rather didn't see, Burton determined to return, and eventually Lord John Russell gave permission for Burton to make an official visit to protest to King Gelele about his participation in the slave trade and his indulgence in human sacrifice. When Burton arrived, he was greeted by the king and toasted with rum drunk from a human skull. Generally, Burton was unimpressed with Gelele's Amazon fighting force and the king laid on enough human sacrifice for Burton to leave quite revolted with Gelele and his kingdom.

First edition, 2 volumes, 8vo, xvii, [2], 386; vi, 412 pp., 2 frontispieces, modern red half morocco gilt by Sangorski and Sutcliffe for Benard Quaritch Ltd, top edge gilt, a very good set.

Penzer p72; Gay 2876.