LABARTHE (Pierre). Journey to the Coast of Guinea, or Description of the Coasts of Africa, from Cape Tagrin to Cape Lopez-Gonzalves. Paris: Debray, the author, Bossange, Masson, and Besson, Year XI–1803. — 8vo, 200 x 121: 310 pp., (1 f.), 1 map. Light-colored half-calf, smooth spine with decoration (modern binding). First edition of the work by geographer Pierre Labarthe (1760–1824), then head of the Office of the Eastern Colonies and the Coasts of Africa at the Ministry of the Navy. Drawing on late 18th-century navigation logs—preserved at the ministry—the author constructs a fictional epistolary narrative: a journey to Guinea presented in the form of letters. Through this medium, he offers “a description of the various European settlements in the area between Cape Tagrin and Cape Lopez Gonzalves,” compares “their strengths and their systems,” and discusses “the trade of each nation, the growth they may achieve, and, above all, the benefits that French trade can derive from engaging with this part of Africa” (pp. ix–x). The work also includes instructions on the slave trade, compiled from various official reports. The edition is illustrated with a color fold-out map depicting the coast of Upper Guinea. Copy in a modern imitation binding, reusing the original covers. Spine worn. Foxing. Provenance: Stamp of the G. Cazeaux bookstore and stationery shop in Pau on the title page.