In Darkest Africa. Prospectus / Salesman's Sample. Stanley (Henry M.) Antiquarian

Brown morocco, covers ruled in black, front cover lettered in gilt. Marbled end papes. All edges gilt. Rubbing to the spine, and some moderate discoloration to covers, a nice clean copy in very good condition. The corner of one leaf has been clipped, affecting no text or illustration. This salesman's copy has two sample spine varieties mounted on the inner front cover, brown calf lettered in gilt or green cloth designed and lettered in gilt; at the rear are two further designs on a mounted two-sided board, red half-calf stamped in blind and lettered in gilt or brown half-calf with the spine designed and lettered in gilt. The order form at the rear describes the four varieties of available bindings, with prices; the order pad shows two orders filled out in pen. The book contains about 100 leaves, most are text and illustrations from the book, interspersed with leaves printed in red, which describe the various aspects of the work. The order form and order pad occupy the last 20 or so leaves. Included is a "To Whom It May Concern" leaf bearing a unique stamp, and an explanation of how a secret number will be included within each copy to determine from which salesman it was purchased. A complex and elaborate prospectus, very uncommon in this form.