[VOYAGES AND TRAVELS]. TUCKEY, Captain J. K. (1776-1816). Narrative of an Expedition to Explore The River Zaire, Usually Called the Congo, in South Africa, in 1816... London: John Murray, 1818. 4to. Illustrated with folding copper-engraved folding map and 13 full-page engravings (one hand-colored), some intertextual illustrations. 498 pp. With half-title. Bound. in modern half tan calf over brick cloth, spine ruled and lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, owner's initials in gilt ("M. M.") on rear board.

Leather on binding scuffed, text a bit toned, foxed, the first few leaves with creases because of the folding map. Fine. FIRST EDITION. In 1814, Tuckey was commissioned to explore the River Zaire to see if there was a connection between the Congo and Niger basins. During this expedition, Tuckey and most of the crew died of tropical fever. This posthumous, failed expedition still inspired British interest in African expedition.