[Corancez, Louis Alexandre Olivier de]

first edition, 8vo (210 x 123mm.), half-title, 2 variant leaves of pp.5-6, errata leaf at end, contemporary calf, sides with gilt roll tool border, flat spine gilt, some spotting, some annotations in pencil, joints split, extremities rather rubbed

Atabey 282; Gay 3461; not in Blackmer

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a rare copy with two variant leaves of pp.5-6. The first leaf appears to be the version which was intended to be published as it maintains the sense of preceding and following pages. The second setting concludes with an identical paragraph on p.6, but otherwise is completely different. The first version dwells on the strengths of the Wahabis, the second is more critical of the Porte.

"First and apparently only edition of Corancez's account of the Arab followers of the Muslim reformer Abd-el Wahhab. This sect, which abhorred all loose living, attracted the attention of a number of travellers. Corancez's account of the Wahabis precedes by many years that of Burckhardt, which was published posthumously in 1830, although both men were living and travelling in Syria at the same time, and presumably knew each other." (Atabey)