With notices of the so-called "Amazons," the grand customs, the human sacrifices, the present state of the slave trade, and the negro's place in nature.
London, Tinsley Brothers, 1864
One of Burton's more sensational books. 'Very rare in good condition' (Penzer). 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 what he 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, original purple cloth gilt, light fade to spines with a couple of small marks, a very good unrestored set.
First edition, 2 volumes, 8vo, xvii, [2], 386; vi, 412 pp., 2 frontispieces, original purple cloth gilt, light fade to spines with a couple of small marks, a very good unrestored set.
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