Bruce (James) Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, in the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, and 1773, 5 vol., first edition, half-titles, engraved title-vignettes and coat-of-arms at head of dedication, 3 folding engraved maps, 58 engraved plates (most of natural history but including 3 folding engraved battle plans, each with explanatory leaf of text), 4 letterpress leaves of Ethiopian dialects in vol.1, with final blank in vol.2 but lacking list of plates at end of vol.5, some light spotting, 3Z in vol.2 lacking lower outer corner not affecting text, 2H2 in vol.4 with short tear to outer margin, a few plates shaved at foot affecting imprint, bookplate removed, contemporary half calf over marbled boards, spines ruled in gilt with red and green morocco labels, rubbed, spines a little faded and very slightly worn at head, splits to one or two upper joints, [Blackmer 221; Nissen ZBI 671], 4to, Edinburgh, J.Ruthven, for G.G.J. & J.Robinson, 1790.

⁂ A good set of Bruce's account of his search for the source of the Nile. Much of the work concerns Egypt and Abyssinia, the latter being where he found the source of the Blue Nile, although this was disputed upon his return to Britain.