A geographical and commercial view of northern Central Africa : containing a particular account of the course and termination of the great River Niger in the Atlantic ocean

The work presents a detailed survey of the geography and trade of northern Central Africa as understood in the early 1820s. Drawing on recent voyages, native testimonies, and earlier travelogues, the author maps the great Niger River from its sources to its Atlantic mouth, challenging prevailing theories that the river vanished in inland lakes or sands. The narrative weaves together descriptions of high mountains, fertile valleys, and bustling towns that line the river’s course.

Beyond the river, the book examines the commercial networks that link the interior to the coastal ports of Benin and Biafra, highlighting commodities such as ivory, gold, and enslaved labor. The author critiques older geographical misconceptions and offers a clearer picture of how the Niger’s tributaries connect disparate regions. Readers gain a vivid sense of an era when European curiosity met African knowledge, laying groundwork for future exploration and trade.