Skip to content
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED | EXPERT ADVICE
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

Observations upon the windward coast of Africa,

the religion, character, customs, &c. of the natives; with a system upon which they may be civilized, and a knowledge attained of the interior of this extraordinary quarter of the globe; and upon the natural and commercial resources of the country: made in the years 1805 and 1806. With an appendix, containing a letter to Lord Howick, on the most simple and effectual means of abolishing the Slave Trade.

Stock Code 94361

London, Nicol, 1807

Original price $7,999.00 - Original price $7,999.00
Original price $7,999.00
$7,999.00
$7,999.00 - $7,999.00
Current price $7,999.00
Illustrated with fine hand-coloured plates. Scarce. 'An early eyewitness description of the territories of the western coast of Africa promoting greater European activity in the area' (Bianchi).

'Observations is an unusually finely illustrated account of travels to West Africa in the early years of the 19th century. Joseph Corry, in addition to advancing Britain's commercial prospects, was interested in ending the practice of slavery. To this end, the text includes the author's letter to Lord Howick on abolishing the slave trade.

The author hoped that 'if in the most remote degree, I excite the interference of my countrymen in behalf of the African, extend our commerce, and enlarge the circle of civilized and Christian society, I shall think that I have neither travelled, nor written in vain.' In February 1807 William Wilberforce's Abolition Bill was passed by the House of Commons, making participation in the slave trade illegal for British subjects' (University of Wales Lampeter, on-line exhibitions.)

First edition, 4to,, xiv, [ii], 164 pp., half-title, engraved map, 8 handcoloured aquatint plates (7 double-page or folding), light toning to text, occasional light foxing, later half calf, marbled boards, red morocco label, upper joint repaired, a very good copy.

Abbey (Travel), 278; Bianchi 99; Bobins 90.
Provenance
Delivery

We offer secure and express delivery on all local and international orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website.

About us

Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.

Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.

We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

Read more

Ask us a question

Observations upon the windward coast of Africa,

CORRY, Joseph.

Stock code: 94361

$7,999.00

THE BOND STREET EXPERIENCE

An exceptional experience in the heart of London’s Mayfair for not only seasoned collectors but those considering purchasing their first rare book or print.

Guaranteed Authenticity
GUARANTEED AUTHENTICITY
International Delivery
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Meet Our Booksellers
MEET OUR BOOKSELLERS
Free Gift Wrapping
FREE GIFT WRAPPING

BOOK COLLECTING IDEAS

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Basket