(Paris: Chez Leroy, 1790).

RARE FIRST EDITION IN CONTEMPORARY BINDING WITH THE ENGRAVED PLATE OF THE  HOTTENTOT WOMAN IN FIRST ISSUE, UNCENSORED STATE.  Le Vaillant was a French naturalist who traveled in South Africa from 1780 to 1785 when he collected material for his magnificent book on the birds of Africa. His travels were extensive and took him as far as Namaqualand, Bechuanaland, and parts of the Kalahari. His conceit adds a spice of humor to his books
This book relates experiences and occurances of Le Vaillant's first journey to the Cape, during which he travelled to Algoa Bay and the district then known as "Bruyntes Hoogte" via Mossel Bay, returning through the "Camdeboo" country and crossing the Gamka, Buffalo, and Touws Rivers. It provides an interesting account of South Africa at a time when relatively little was known regarding its natural history and the Dutch settlers, valuable less for its geographical information than for its addition to the knowledge of the natural history of the area. Item #21960

2 volumes. First edition. Volume I with 6 plates, 2 folding, Volume II with 6 plates including the very rare plate of the Hottentot woman in first state and uncensored. 8vo, bound in contemporary French calf, the spines with raised bands, lettered and decorated in gilt in the compartments, two morocco lettering labels gilt, marbled end-leaves, gilt tooled edges. xxiv, 383; 403 pp A handsome set in unrestored or sophisticated state, some cracking to the hinges, some typical wear to the tips.