Beschreibung:

STEDMAN (JOHN GABRIEL) Narrative of a Five Years' Expedition Against the Revolted Negroes of Suriman, in Guiana, on the Wild Coast of South America; from the Year 1772 to 1777... With an Account of the Indians of Guiana, & Negroes of Guinea 2 vol., FIRST EDITION, engraved frontispiece in volume 1, engraved vignette on titles, 80 engraved plates and maps (4 folding) by William Blake Bartolozzi and others, after drawings made by the author, some spotting, contemporary tree calf, spines with green morocco lettering and numbering labels, with other compartments decorated with a gilt ship and castle device [Abbey Travel 719; Bentley 499; Goldsmiths 16679; Sabin 91075], 4to (268 x 205mm.), J. Johnson 1796 Fußnoten "In 1772 [Stedman] volunteered to accompany an expedition sent out by the States-General to subdue the revolted Negroes in Surinam, or Dutch Guiana ... The field of his curiosity embraced not only all branches of natural history, but also economical and social conditions. His description of the cruelties practiced on the Negroes, and of the moral deterioration resulting to their masters, forms one of the most vivid indictments of slavery that have been penned" (ODNB). William Blake was engaged to do the engravings as early as 1791, the author describing the results as "excellent work" after which "He and Blake became close friends" (Bentley). By the time of publication only 16 plates by Blake where used, thirteen of which signed, and three attributed to him by Keynes. Provenance: Brocket Hall Library, bookplate; Cowper family, with Panshanger bookplate; W.A. Caro, and by descent to the present owner.