The benga primer: containing lessons for beginners; A Series of Phrases, and a catechism.
New London, PA.
Printed by Orvis & Berry, 1855.
First edition.
12mo.
64pp. Contemporary (original?) black roan-backed marbled boards ruled and lettered in gilt. Extremities worn, upper board held by cords only. Endpapers foxed, remnants of labels and some loss to pastedowns, very occasional coloured pencil annotations to text.
The first edition of a Pennsylvania-printed primer (presumably intended primarily for missionaries) to the Benga language, the indigenous language spoken by the Benga people of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Divided into 22 'lessons' comprised of simple phrases and vocabulary. the book concludes with a catechism presented in parallel English and Benga text.
OCLC records a single copy in the British Isles (BL), and a further 10 worldwide. COPAC adds no further.
£ 200.00
Antiquates Ref: 23016
OCLC records a single copy in the British Isles (BL), and a further 10 worldwide. COPAC adds no further.
