Laboulinière, Pierre.

First edition, presentation copy from the author to the Persian ambassador, 8vo (205 x 126mm.), half-title, contemporary red morocco gilt presentation binding, upper cover lettered in gilt: 'donné par l'auteur a son excelence asker kan ambassadeur de Perse a Paris,' pale blue silk endpapers, gilt edges, without final blank, spotted

Askar Khan Afshar, Persian ambassador to France (presentation binding)

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."

In 1807 a short lived Franco-Persian alliance was formed between Napoleon I and Fath Ali Shah against Russia and Great Britain, as part of a grand Napoleonic scheme to cross the Middle East in order to attack British India. The alliance came to an end in 1809 when France finally allied with Russia and Persia with Great Britain. Askar Khan Afshar was the ambassador sent to Paris during this brief alliance; he arrived in Paris on 20 July 1808 and met Napoleon on 4 September 1808 at Château de Saint-Cloud. He left Paris in April 1810.