DENIS (Ferdinand). Guiana, or the history, customs, habits and costumes of the inhabitants of this part of America. Paris: Nepveu, 1823. - 2 volumes in-18, 142 x 86: frontispiece, (2 ff.), 182 pp., (1 f.), 11 plates, illustrated cover; frontispiece, (2 ff.), 237 pp., 3 plates, illustrated cover. Green morocco, vertical strips of oriental toad skin on the plates, 5 on the first plate and 3 on the second, smooth back, golden head, untrimmed, cover and back preserved (Marie-José Guian). Rare first edition of this work by the traveller and polygrapher Ferdinand Denis (1798-1890) of which it is one of the first publications. The author studies and describes all aspects of French Guyana, devoting several passages to slavery. The illustration consists of 16 out-of-text engravings, depicting interesting aspects of French Guiana and its inhabitants: Root cleaner. Manioc scrapper. Grageurs and Manioc pressers. Cassave Maker. Cooker from Aouara. Belts, Garters and Collars of the Guyana Indians. Weapons, Furniture and Ornaments of the Savages of Guyana. Negro from Loango with his family. Negress torn apart with a whip. Negro Musical Instruments . Etc. Beautiful copy in modern original binding by Marie-José Guian, complete with the covers and spines of the original illustrated covers . Worn, restored and lined blankets. Freckles and some rare wetnesses . Provenance: M. J. Guian, with his cold ex-libris stamp.