STANLEY, Henry Morton, Sir (1841-1904). Through the Dark Continent, or The Sources of the Nile, Around the Great Lakes of Equatorial Africa, and Down the Livingstone River to the Atlantic Ocean. London: Sampson Low, Marston, et al, 1878. 2 volumes, 8vo (220 x 135 mm). 2 lithographed frontispiece portraits, 10 lithographed maps (2 folding, 2 folding in rear pockets), 32 wood-engraved plates. Publisher's decorated brown cloth blocked in gilt and black (neatly recased).FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE. Stanley embarked between 1874-1877 to continue Livingstone's researches on the Congo and Nile River systems, and to examine the findings of Speke, Burton, and Baker. He crossed the continent from east to west along the course of the Congo River, establishing its navigability. "Stanley's navigation of the Congo was one of the greatest journeys of all time" (Jeal, Life of Stanley, p.202). Mendelssohn IV:379