VENDU
2 volumes, 4to (250 x 205 mm) 2 nn.ll.,[V]-[VIII], 3 nn.ll., [410] pp., 72 engraved plates and 1 map for volume I; 2 nn.ll., [V]-[VI], 5 nn.ll., [390] pp. and 52 engraved plates for volume II. Contemporary mottled calf, double filet in blind on covers, spine gilt with raised bands, red edges (some wear, hinges partly split).
1 in stock
Gay, 3589; Koç, 144; see Atabey 873 (note).
First edition under this title of the French translation of this highly important description of Arabia.
"Niebuhr joined the expedition for the exploration for the exploration of Egypt, Arabia and Syria organized in 1760 by Frederick V of Denmark. Among the other members of the expedition were the philologist Van Haven, the naturalist Forskal, and a surgeon and an artist. They left Denmark in Janurary 1761 for Egypt, where they made the ascent of the Nile, journeyed to Suez and Mount Sinai, went to Jeddah and from there travelled overland to Mecha which they reached in 1763. Conditions were so severe that all the members of the expedition except for Niebuhr had died by the end of the stay in Mecha. Niebuhr himself reached India and returned overland via Persia, Cyprus and Constantinople in 1767" (Atabey).
The rich illustrations (124 plates and 1 map) include sketches of Persepolis and copies of the cuneiform scripture which served later as the basis for the decyphering. Internally clean, complete with all plates called for.
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