Lot 96

[Maurizi, Vincenzo]

Estimate

8,000 - 12,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

History of Seyd Said, Sultan of Muscat; together with an account of the countries and people on the shores of the Persian Gulf, particularly of the Wahabees. By Shaik Mansur, a native of Rome, who after having practised as a Physician in many parts of the East, became Commander of the Forces of the Sultan of Muscat, against Geovasseom and Wahabees Pirates. Translated from the original Italian M.S. hitherto not published. London: John Booth, 1819

first edition, 8vo (246 x 149mm.), engraved folding map of the "City of Muscatt and adjacent country", folding letterpress table "on the climate and atmosphere of the city of Muscat, during the twelve months of the year", errata leaf after title, half calf over marbled boards, uncut, preserved within clamshell cloth box, folding map slightly chipped at outer edge

Provenance

William Henry Hyett, armorial bookplate

Literature

Gay 3688 (under 'Mansur'); Robin Bidwell, "Bibliographical Notes on European Accounts of Muscat 1500-1900", in Arabian Studies, IV, 1978, pp.123-160; Ibid. Introduction to the facsimile reprint of "History of Seyd Said" (Cambridge: Oleander Press, 1984)

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

the first book devoted exclusively to oman and one of the rarest books on the subject, which played an important part in informing western opinion about the country.

Maurizi was one of the earliest European visitors to spend a considerable period of time in Oman. He visited Greece and Constantinople, practised medicine in Anatolia, Egypt and Yemen, and arrived in Muscat in 1809. He remained there for a year and was nicknamed 'Sheik Mansur' by the ruler Seyd Said, with whom he was closely associated as his personal physician and as commander of his artillery. In 1810 Maurizi proceeded to Baghdad and Persia, but returned to Oman in 1814 before travelling to India. The History of Seyd Said, was the first European account of Oman and provides a fascinating study of daily life in Muscat and the personality of the Sultan.

"[Maurizi's] is the only account ever given by a participant in the coup in which Sayyid Said seized power and his eye-witness reporting of the Omani army in action is well worth reading. However, the most important contribution that Maurizi makes to knowledge of Arabia is his record of a long conversation with a Wahhabi envoy who explained the basis of his beliefs." (Bidwell)