THOMSON, Joseph (1859-1895). Through Masai Land: A Journey of Exploration Among the Snowclad Mountains and Strange Tribes of Eastern Equatorial Africa. London: Sampson Low, et al, 1885. 8vo (214 x 135 mm). Engraved frontispiece, 2 colored lithographed folding maps, 14 wood-engraved plates. Contemporary half calf, marbled boards, spine gilt. Provenance: Colonel Frank Shuttleworth (1845-1913), English businessman (bookplate).FIRST EDITION, "ONE OF THE GREAT AFRICAN TRAVEL EPICS" (Czech). Thompson's expedition took him from the east coast of Africa to the northern shores of Lake Victoria. His route took him to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, and he witnessed the great and varied abundance of big game, before the arrival of hunters and poachers; he discovered a new species of gazelle, which was named for him (Gazella Thomsoni). Czech, p.164.