Rare book 1861, First edition, EXPLORATIONS ADVENTURES in EQUATORIAL AFRICA by Paul Belloni du Chaillu, illustrated antique. EXPLORATIONS AND ADVENTURES in EQUATORIAL AFRICA. With Accounts of the Manners and Customs of the People, and of the Chase of the Gorilla, Crocodile, Leopard, Elephant, Hippopotamus, and Other Animals, by Paul B. Du Chaillu. John Murray, London, 1861. First edition, 479 pages + 20 pages of advertisements. Weight 2 lb. 7.1 oz. = 1 kg 110 g. Condition: excellent for the age, all the pages are intact, the binding is still strong. Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa is a book written by Paul Belloni Du Chaillu and published in 1861. The book is a detailed account of Du Chaillu's travels and adventures in Equatorial Africa, where he spent several years exploring the region and studying its people and wildlife.Du Chaillu's journey took him through the dense forests of Gabon, where he encountered various indigenous tribes, including the Fang people, who were known for their elaborate tattoos and headhunting practices. He also encountered gorillas for the first time, which he described in great detail in the book. The book is divided into several chapters, each of which covers a different aspect of Du Chaillu's journey. In addition to his encounters with the local people and wildlife, he also describes the geography and climate of the region, as well as the challenges he faced during his travels. Overall, Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa is an important historical document that provides a fascinating glimpse into the early exploration of Africa and the many challenges faced by explorers in the 19th century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African history, anthropology, or wildlife. Folding frontispiece of gorilla illustration, folding map at the end, with 72 other illustrations. Size 6 by 9". Original decorated cloth with gilt printed engraving of a gorilla on front cover. This book, especially the illustrations of gorillas, was an inspiration for film producer Merion Cooper’s famous movie King Kong (according to his widow). xviii, 479 pp. The first work to document the existence of the gorilla. 'A noted if somewhat controversial travel-writer in his day. He was among the first white men to trek into gorilla territory, and some of his remarks and sketches were viewed as being fictional by experts of that era' (Czech). Text in English. Price: $1317.63 on AbeBooks, in worse condition.
