Through South Africa is a fascinating late-Victorian Africana travel narrative by renowned explorer Henry Morton Stanley, best known for his expeditions across central Africa and his famous meeting with Dr. David Livingstone.

The work recounts Stanley’s visit to Rhodesia, the Transvaal, Cape Colony and Natal, offering a contemporary perspective on southern Africa during the closing years of the nineteenth century. Through South Africa includes commentary on colonial politics, settlement and race relations during a period of rapid change in the region.

Published in 1898 by Charles Scribner’s Sons, Through South Africa is illustrated with 11 photographic plates, including a portrait of President Paul Kruger. The folding map called for in the book is not present.

This copy is an ex-library example from Forbes Library, Northampton, Massachusetts, retaining library bookplates, withdrawal markings and catalogue labels which document its institutional history.

A desirable Stanley title and a solid example of late nineteenth-century Africana exploration and travel literature.

Condition – Good

Ex-library copy from Forbes Library, Northampton, Massachusetts, with typical institutional markings including bookplates, stamps, catalogue labels and withdrawal markings. Original dark cloth boards with gilt spine lettering remain in good condition with light handling wear. Binding sound and structurally solid. All 11 photographic plates are present as called for. The folding map normally included with this title is not present. A metal reinforcement strip has been added along the hinge at page 112, likely as a library repair. Internally the pages remain clean with light age toning.