Richard F. Burton - The Source of the Nile - Folio Society Edition - 1993

Richard F. Burton – The Source of the Nile (The Folio Society, 1993)

Limited Collector’s Edition by The Folio Society

Introduction
A landmark in Victorian exploration literature, Richard Francis Burton’s The Lake Regions of Central Africa remains one of the most compelling accounts of 19th-century discovery. Burton’s journey to locate the true source of the Nile combined geographical ambition, ethnographic detail, and personal endurance. This Folio Society edition presents the work with scholarly care and superb visual reproduction, offering collectors a refined presentation of a foundational exploration narrative.

Content
This volume includes Burton’s complete account of his 1856–1859 expedition through East Africa, describing landscapes, cultures, and encounters along the caravan route from Zanzibar inland toward the Great Lakes. The narrative spans anthropology, geography, and travel observation, culminating in Burton’s sighting of Lake Tanganyika.
The edition also contains a rich suite of plates and woodcuts—faithful reproductions of the illustrations from original 19th-century publications—documenting people, landscapes, wildlife, and expedition scenes.

Features
• Publisher: The Folio Society
• Year: 1993
• Edition: Collector’s Edition with slipcase
• Binding: Full buckram cloth with elaborate gilt and black decorative design inspired by Victorian illustrative style
• Slipcase: Sturdy black slipcase
• Illustrations:
• Multiple full-page plates
• Extensive woodcuts, maps, and engraved artwork
• Paper & Printing: Printed on high-quality India Paper substitute to ensure clarity for fine-line engravings
• Special Material: Includes a large fold-out map of Eastern Africa tucked inside the front board (as issued)

Condition
Near Fine. Book shows extremely clean, sharp boards with bright gilt and no fading. Interior pages are crisp, clean, and free of marks. Map present and in excellent condition.
A minor small mark to the gilt page edges (visible in photos), but edges remain bright overall.
Slipcase in Very Good+ condition, structurally solid with light rubbing consistent with age.

Shipping
Will be shipped securely, well-protected to preserve the book and slipcase. Tracking included.