RAFFENEL, Anne - Lot 136

RAFFENEL, Anne Journey in West Africa including the exploration of Senegal..., of the Falémé..., of the gold mines of Kéniéba..., of the countries of Galam, Bondou and Wolli...; and of the Gambia... Executed, in 1843 and 1844... Paris, Arthus Bertrand, 1846. 2 volumes of which the text in-8 (223 x 147 mm) of VII and 512 pp., and 1 atlas in-4 (325 x 245 mm) of 2 ff.n.ch., 2 folding maps and 11 plates. Half tan calf, smooth spine decorated, spotted edges (contemporary binding). Gay, 2915; Numa Broc, 275. First edition. A precious report in which Anne Raffenel (1809-1858) has recorded important information on the visited countries. After short studies Raffenel became a clerk of the Navy in the Orient in 1825. "He accomplished several overseas campaigns and was assigned to Senegal in 1842. In 1844, Governor Bouet-Willaumez asked him to explore the Boundou, in the company of the Navy pharmacist Huard-Bessinières, the surgeon Peyre-Ferry and the doctor Pottin-Paterson. The mission went up the Senegal River to Bakel, visited Boundou located south of this post and founded a trading post on the Falémé River. Then, in the Bambouk, between Falémé and Bafing, the gold deposits of Kéniéba are recognized... Filled with enumerations of villages, distances, information on the flora, fauna, inhabitants and gold mines... [Raffenel's works] give useful details on the various populations of Senegal, Islamic (Moors, Peul, Sarakole) or 'fetishist' (Wolof, Mandingo, Bambara)" (Nouma Broc). The atlas is decorated with two large folding maps and 11 beautiful lithographed and colored plates of costumes, with two subjects per plate. Some foxing; top of the spine of the atlas skillfully restored.