As a trained botanist and accomplished artist, Schweinfurth expanded knowledge of the flora and fauna of central Africa as well as the ethnology of its inhabitants. He was the first European to encounter the Akka Pygmies of East Africa—settling the question raised by Homer and Herodotus of the existence of dwarf races in Africa—and the Mittoo and Loobah tribes between the White Nile and the upper Congo, among whom women practice lip enlargement to enhance their appearance.

First edition; 2 vols, 8vo; viii, 559; x, 521 pp.; 2 frontispieces, 2 maps (1 folding), 24 full-page plates (1 in colour), numerous text illustrations throughout, modern half calf gilt, a very good set.

Gay 2568.