FIRST FOOTSTEPS IN EAST AFRICA is a seminal work of Africana recording Burton's first expedition into Somalia. His purpose was to explore the forbidden Moslem city of Harar, "a city whose walls no European had ever penetrated," as well as to gather information about the headwaters of the Nile. He travelled in the same disguise that took him to Mecca, as Haji Mirza Abdullah, an Arab merchant. It was on this expedition that Burton was first joined by John Speke, at the suggestion of James Outram. After some pleasant preparatory weeks in the town of Zayla on the Somali coast, he started for Harar. As he approached the city, however, he fell under suspicion of being a foreign spy...” Item Description Handsome copy of the Memorial Edition of this highly important work of Burton. Beautiful illustrated travel classic in original bindings. The second volume only of two volume set. Edited by his wife, Isabel Burton. The volume is illustrated with two chromolithograph plates including tissue-guarded frontispiece, printed on quality papers, one steel engraved map, and some engravings in the text. Published by Tylston and Edwards, London, (1894). Bound in publisher’s original blind-stamped black cloth with designs in gilt representing Burton in disguise as an Afghan pilgrim on upper covers together with his cypher Al-Hadji Abdullah in Arabic on top corners of the upper boards, and with gilt design of Meccah to rear boards. Spine lettered in gilt. Book Dimensions: 22 x 15 cm and Number of Pages: 276 including 5 appendix and index + 3 pages of authors’ books Condition A well-preserved copy in excellent condition. Firm and well bound. Light wear to boards’ corners, and to head and tail of spine. Internally; in very good condition indeed. No previous owners’ name or inscriptions. Inner hinges are very good, and tightly held at the gutter. Pages are very clean, and unmarked. Plates are lively and bright (Please see pictures).