Rufane Donkin. A Dissertation on the Course and Probable Termination of the Niger. London: John Murray, 1829.. ...

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Donkin's Controversial Theory

Rufane Donkin. A Dissertation on the Course and Probable Termination of the Niger. London: John Murray, 1829.

First edition. Octavo. viii, 195 pages. One fold-out map, two folding maps. Leaf containing Errata and "To the Binder" note immediately precedes page one.

Half calf over marbled paper; black leather title label and extra gilt to spine. Light teal endpapers. Joints and hinges cracked; both boards loose, front board hanging by cords. Leather scarred and worn at extremities. Previous owner's green wax seal on spine in lowest compartment. Minor foxing throughout. Indentation to lower corner of most leaves. Minor tears and light foxing to maps. Bookplate to front pastedown. In good to very good condition.

Sir Rufus Donkin (1773-1841) was a military officer and, later, a politician and Surveyor-General of the Ordnance. When his Dissertation came out, his theory of the Niger's course caused much controversy. Quite scarce. From the Professor John Ralph Willis Collection of Rare Africana.