BRUCE (James). Voyage aux sources du Nil, en Nubie et en Abyssinie pendant les années 1768,1769,1770, 1771 et 1772. Translated from the English by Castera. Paris, Hôtel de Thou, 1790; 5 volumes in-4 (250 x 185 mm) and one atlas large in-4 (276 x 220 mm), marbled green calf, smooth spines decorated with gilt fleurons (Period bindings). 88 plates including 4 maps. First French edition. Extraordinary account of the highly adventurous voyage of the Scotsman James Bruce, who had been encouraged by Lord Hallifax to set off in search of the true sources of the Nile. His journey lasted four years and took him through Egypt, Abyssinia and Ethiopia (where he was received by the Negus), ending at Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, which he discovered, on descending it, joins the White Nile at Khartoum - and thus constitutes its source. The plates, admirably engraved in etching, mainly depict animals and plants from the countries travelled through. A VERY FINE COPY, ELEGANTLY BOUND.