A Description of British Guiana Geographical and Statistical; exhibiting Its Resources and Capabilities together with the Present and Future Condition and Prospects of the Colony

8vo [22 x 14 cm]; [iv], 155 pp, large folding map with hand coloring as frontis, the map with engraved inset views of New Amsterdam and George Town lighthouse. later cloth-backed boards, spine title label, short tear at stub of map, barely perceptible foxing at outer edge of text block, small mark on cover, else a near fine and clean copy. A picture of this book is available upon request by email. The author [1804-1865] was one of the most important explorers of northeastern South America, and especially of Guiana, where he was commissioned to survey the boundaries of British Guiana and explored the rivers Essequibo, Corentyne, Berbice and Rio Branco, and to Mount Roraima, being the first to reach the source of the Essequibo, and discovered many new species of plants. He reports on the geography, natural history, inhabitants, society, towns, government, climate, etc of the country as well as the resources and current conditions. He was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1845 for his achievements. This book is the first detailed account of the colony.