2 volumes bound in one, 8vo (216 x 133 mm). Half-titles, folding lithographic map with water printed in blue, 6 chromolithographic plates, 10 wood-engraved plates, numerous engraved or lithographic illustrations. Contemporary blue calf gilt, upper cover with supralibros gilt, spine in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, red morocco lettering-piece gilt in second, others gilt, marbled edges, stamp-signed by Ralfe Brothers (rebacked preserving original spine, some wear at fore-corners). Provenance: Thornton & Son (booksellers' ticket); Worshipful Company of Drapers (supralibros on cover); United States Military Academy (bookplate; "Valliant collection").

FIRST EDITION, one of only 1,000 copies printed. Burton's 1877-78 second expedition into the Midian, which, like his first in 1877, was financed by the Khedive in Cairo as a search for gold. He mapped a 600-mile route through the northern and southern Midian recording its ruined ancient cities. For the Khedive in Cairo, he brought back 25 tons of minerals to be assayed. For himself, he seriously considered forming a company to exploit the oil resources of the Midian, but nothing came of it. Penzer, pp.96-97; Spink 61.