The Present State of The Cape of Good-Hope Or A Particular Account of the Several Nations of the Hottentots Together With a Short Account of the Dutch Settlement at the Cape Written originally in High German by Peter Kolben done Into English by Mr Medley

London: W Innys, 1731. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 8" by 5". Not Stated. One of the earliest and prominent eighteenth century works on the Cape of Good-Hope, the first edition of this work in English. First thus, the first English edition of this work originally written by Peter Kolben in High German and translated into English by Mr Medley. Illustrated, with a frontispiece and sixteen plates to volume I and a frontispiece and twelve plates to volume II. There is a folding map of the cape to volume II. Collated, complete. This work contains the earliest list of South African animals as well as a full account of the government of the country. (Mendelssohn I, pp. 844-845) Kolben or Kolbe was on an expedition to the Cape of Good Hope to compile a comprehensive description of South Africa. This study discusses day-today life at the Cape, the geography, climate, flora and fauna. There is also an accurate study of the Hottentots, their language, religion, lifestyle and customs. Bookplate to the front pastedown of Samuel Wegg. In full calf bindings. Rebacked, with the original boards preserved. Externally, generally smart. Patches of rubbing to the extremities resulting in a small amount of loss to boards. A few marks to boards. Prior owner's bookplate to front pastedown of both volumes, Samuel Wegg. Internally, both volumes are firmly bound. Tidemarks to the first 100 pages of volume I to the outer corners, resulting in some cocking but not obstructing the text. Pages are slightly age toned. Occasional offsetting to pages. Scattered spots to pages as usual. Very Good