This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2022
VOLNEY, Constantin François, comte de (1757–1820). Travels Through Syria and Egypt in the Years 1783, 1784, and 1785. London: for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1787. 2 volumes, 8vo (229 x 133 mm). Index and errata in Volume II. Half–titles, 5 engraved foldout maps, plans and plates (pale spotting). Original publisher’s paper–backed drab boards, printed spine labels, uncut (light chipping along joints and spine ends, few old repairs to spine on Volume II, some marginal in pencil and inked in a contemporary hand); cloth slipcase. FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH, of the author’s first book which is considered to be “one of the most exact and valuable works of [its] kind ever published” (Chambers, “Cyclopaedia; or, An Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences”). “Volney's popular and highly-regarded work was the result of three years' travels, a good deal of which time was spent in Cairo. His account has never really been surpassed. Volney went to great lengths in preparation, which included a year devoted to exercise and self-deprivation and three months learning the language required in a convent in the mountains of Lebanon (Blackmer 1748, later French edition).” Atabey 1303.