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.