The Art of Travel; or, Shifts and Contrivances available in wild Countries.: With Woodcuts.

London: John Murray,, 1855. First edition of Francis Galton's guide, "intended as a Manual for all who have to rough it, whether they be explorers, emigrants, missionaries, or soldiers" (Preface). Having inherited a vast fortune on his father's death, Galton spent a year travelling in the Middle East before "undertaking a journey of exploration (at his own expense but under the auspices of the Royal Geographical Society) to South-West Africa - an area which was largely unknown to Europeans. Two books resulted: Tropical South Africa (1852) and The Art of Travel (1855). The first of these was rewarded with a gold medal from the Royal Geographical Society, a fellowship of the Royal Society, and membership of the Athenaeum; the second (a how-to book) was reprinted several times over the next four decades." (ODNB). All manner of advice is given, from where to look for water, to was of bivouacking personal cleanliness, matters of discipline, secreting jewels, milking wild cows and instruments for taking observations and drawing up a map. Octavo. Original ribbed cloth, spine lettered gilt, coated endpapers. With numerous woodcut illustrations in the text. Edmonds & Remnants ticket to rear pastedown. Short split at head of front joint, cloth lightly sunned. Bookseller's ticket removed from front pastedown, with an ink ownership inscription; two leaves sprung, else a very good copy.