The Congo and the Founding of its Free State: A Story of Work and Exploration. By Henry M. Stanley, Author of "Through the Dark Continent," "How I found Livingstone," etc. In two Volumes. London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington. 1st Edition 1885 Condition: Hardcover, uniformly bound in deep red half leather spines with gilt rules in compartments with raised bands. Covers and binding both in very good condition. Hardly any wear. First edition (matching dates). Volume 1 : 528 pages. 3 folding maps and 1 very large fold out fabric map at rear (93 x 55 cm). Many pages torn and page 341 - 376 detached. Book is clearly used- but complete with 24 full-page illustrations and 49 smaller illustrations. Most attractive part. Volume 2: 483 pages. 1 very large fold out fabric map at rear (93 x 55 cm). Book clearly les used and in very good condition with 20 full-page- and 29 smaller illustrations. In total complete with 122 illustrations, (not all pictured) 3 folding maps and 2 large maps at rear Both books ex-librairy. Some stamps in part two. In the service of king Leopold II of Belgium, Stanley went to Congo in 1879 to open the country for trade and further colonization. From August 1879 to June 1884 Stanley was in the Congo basin, where he built a road from the lower Congo up to Stanley Pool and launched steamers on the upper river. It is from this period, when Stanley persevered in the face of great difficulties, that he earned, from his men, the nickname of Bula Matari ("Breaker of Rocks"). Stanley's work was to pave the way for the creation of the Congo Free State, under the sovereignty of King Leopold. An incredible adventure in unknown darkest Africa! Both books well bound and complete. Parcel below 5 kg.