BUXTON (Thomas Fowell). - Lot 39

BUXTON (Thomas Fowell). On the Slave Trade in Africa, and Ways to Abolish It. Paris: Arthus Bertrand, 1840. — In-8, 208 x 130: (1 f.), XXXVI, 650 pp., 1 map. Dark blue half-shagreen with corners, gilt fillets, decorated ribbed spine, marbled edges (Bunetier). French first edition, translated from the English by J.J. Pacaud. Thomas Fowell Buxton (1786–1845) was the leader of the anti-slavery party in the British Parliament. In this work, divided into two main parts, he first provides a detailed account of the slave trade, analyzing its geographic scope, mortality rates at each stage, the failures of abolitionist efforts, and local superstitions in Africa. He then proposes solutions, such as strengthening naval forces, developing legitimate trade and agriculture, facilitating trade, as well as educational and moral measures to elevate the character of Africans. The work concludes with a summary of the actions to be taken and an appendix containing official documents and correspondence. In the introductory text, it is stated that this work “may be regarded as a detailed exposition of the causes and purpose behind the formation, in England, of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and the Civilization of Africa.” The edition is illustrated with a fold-out map depicting Central Africa. This copy was presented to Madame Régny. It includes a dedication in the hand of the geographer Marie Armand Pascal d’Avezac (1800–1875), on behalf of the African Society of London, on a leaf bearing the printed inscription: “Presented by the Society established in London for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and the Civilization of Africa.” Avezac was one of the society’s foreign honorary members. A fine copy in a binding by Bunetier, produced after 1850. A few scattered foxing spots.