Voyage au Congo

First collective edition of two journeys in Africa by André Gide published successively in 1927 and 1928, with Marc Allégret's famous sepia heliographed photographs. An iconic book of photographs and the first account of travel to central Africa by an intellectual outspoken critic of colonialism.

In his work, Gide criticises the manipulation of French companies in the Congo that de facto ran parts of the country, allowing them to exploit the area's natural resources, in particular rubber. He saw that indigenous workers were forced to leave their village for several weeks to collect rubber in the forest, and compared their exploitation to slavery. The book contributed to the growing anti-colonialism movements in France.

First edition, no.99 of 1571 copies on Arches paper; 4to (33.5 x 26.5 cm); 64 sepia heliograph plates, 4 maps, publisher's original paper wrappers preserved and bound in rear; contemporary half calf, decorative paper paste boards, spine lettered in gilt in six compartments, top edge gilt, others uncut, a little wear, inner hinges cracked but firm, a very good copy;