COOLEY (William Desborough).

The Negroland of the Arabs Examined and Explained;

or, an Inquiry into the Early History and Geography of Central Africa. First edition. Large folding map. 8vo. A fine copy in modern half morocco, gilt. xvi, 143, [2]ads.pp. London, J Arrowsmith, 1841.

£675.00

Based on extracts from the writings of Ibn Khaldun and Ibn Batutah, this work is a comparative account of early georgraphic descriptions of Central Africa in light of European exploration of the day. “The attainment of that end will throw a steady light on the past condition of a country now awakening a general interest. It will enable us to trace some important political revolutions; to discern the nations that have stood forth politcally eminent, and to estimate correctly … the progress of civilization in Africa” (Preface).

Cooley first became associated with Africa upon his exposing M Douville’s fraud, Voyage au Congo, in 1832. He later became an honourary free member of the Royal Geographic Society.

Stock No.
196514