Paul Du Chaillu's copy

Paul du Chaillu's copy of the special autograph edition of Stanley's American testimonial banquet.

An exceptionally interesting copy of this scarce desideratum, signed twice by Du Chaillu, as well as by Stanley and all his officers, as well as Vernon Lovatt Cameron, J.A. Grant, M. Grant Duff and other dignitaries. W. G. Stairs, Stanley's Lieutenant, has written a eulogium on the final leaf in pencil to Paul Du Chaillu, under the heading of 'Africa for Ever.'

Following the printed title, the text consists of a list of the Committee and honorary Stewards, including Henry Wellcome as Honorary Secretary, eulogies on Stanley and the four other expedition members, a description of the Stanley Memorial shield, the menu, toast list and programme of music, and finally a list of those 'present at the banquet.' This is one of very few copies with actual autographs. In his letter to Denzil Stanley, Moore states: 'In 1890 a complimentary Dinner was given in London to Sir Henry Morton Stanley after his return from the Emin Pasha Relief Expediiton. Sir Henry Wellcome was honorary Secretary of the Committee which organised the Dinner. 'We have a few leather-bound Souvenirs of the Dinner which are specially interesting because amongst other things they contain photographic prints of Sir Henry Stanley and of the principal members of the expedition, each with autographed signatures....'

First edition; the copy belonging to Paul Du Chaillu, signed by him, by Stanley and his officers, and other dignitaries in attendance; 12 printed leaves, on green or blue paper, mounted on thick white card. With photographic portraits of Stanley, W.G. Stairs, Thomas Heazle Parke, Robert Henry Nelson, and A.J. Mounteney-Jephson by Henry van de Weyde, London, mounted on 5 leaves, with two further photographic prints showing the Stanley Testimonial Shield and medallions designed by Henry Wellcome, both mounted on one page. Original calf, upper cover embossed with the shield of the United States emblazoned with the name 'Stanley,' and with the American eagle above, white-and-gold patterned endpapers, gilt edges, neatly rebacked.