Maggs Bros.

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.