Dubois-Fontanelle - Anecdotes Africaines - 1775

African anecdotes, from the origins or discovery of the various kingdoms that make up Africa to the present day, is a lively and detailed historical collection that traces the history of the peoples and kingdoms of Africa as they were conceived in the 18th century. The work gathers stories, remarkable facts, and picturesque episodes related to various regions of the continent — from Egypt, Barbary, and Morocco to the territories of Guinea, Benin, Angola, Congo, and other kingdoms — from the earliest discoveries to the contemporary period of its publication. This mix of anecdotes, chronicles, and geographic portraits aims to enlighten a curious European audience about Africa, alternating historical descriptions with colorful stories that reflect the knowledge and representations of the Age of Enlightenment.

Joseph-Gaspard Dubois-Fontanelle (October 27, 1727 – February 15, 1812) was a French journalist, man of letters, playwright, and translator. After working for several newspapers and attempting theater with little success, he published various literary works, historical accounts, and translations. He is also known for his role in the press and for his historical and anecdotal writings such as African Anecdotes (1775). During the Revolution, he returned to Grenoble, where he taught belles-lettres and then history until the end of his life.



DUBOIS-FONTANELLE, Joseph - African Anecdotes, from the origin or discovery of the various kingdoms that make up Africa to the present day. Egypt, barbarism, Morocco, Algeria, Tripoli, Abyssinia, from the southern and eastern western coasts, 'slave coast,' Benin, Congo, Sofala.

Paris, 1775. Original edition.

Complete in 1 for volume in-12 [VIII, 230, 62, 60, 60, 30, 16, 80, 184pp.]

Superb decorative full calf binding in very good condition. Ornamented gilt spine, red morocco title pieces. Wear and small losses at the corners and crowns. Slightly cracked edges and wear on the hinges. Very sturdy binding. All edges are red. The interior is well preserved, with intact endpapers, minor foxing, and scattered stains.

A very beautiful specimen of this uncommon work!