Stékoulis, Dr Constantin.

First edition, large 8vo (280 x 190mm.), presentation copy from the author to Abu'l-Hasan Qajar (known as Shaykh al-Ra'is), errata leaf, large coloured lithographed folding map of Arabia with 3 insets (see footnote), extra-illustrated with a portrait photograph of the author by Abdullah Frères mounted on the preliminary pastedown with a note in Persian by the recipient recording the presentation of the book in Constantinople in 1887, facing this is a mounted presentation inscription in Persian by Stekoulis hoping this book will be accepted, loosely inserted is a mounted studio photograph of Shaykh al-Ra'is (on the far right) with Burhan al-Din Effendi, Ashraf al-Dhakirin and another unidentified person taken by Kargopoulo in Constantinople (c.1914), contemporary presentation binding of green velvet, richly decorated in gilt and blind, upper cover stamped in gilt 'Son altesse Eb-el-Hassan Mirza Cheihk Reis, hommage de l'auteur,' gilt edges, red silk endpapers, map with a few minor tears along folds and old repaired tear

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 splendid presentation copy. The recipient, Abu'l-Hasan Mirza (1847-1917), known as Shaykh al-Ra'is was a son of Prince Muhammad Taqi Mirza and a grandson of Fath'ali Shah Qajar. He was an influential poet, political thinker and preacher.
The author of the book, Dr Stekoulis, was concerned at the recent outbreak of cholera in Arabia and considers both the causes of the outbreak and the possible threat to Europe, as well as suggesting methods of containing the plague. His information is based on that supplied to him by Muslim colleagues at the International Council of Health in Constantinople. The map of Arabia, based on Kiepert's of 1867, shows the pilgrim routes through Arabia, with one inset showing the pilgrim routes across the world. The other two insets show the port of Wedj and a view of Mecca after a photograph by Muhammed Sadiq Bey, which appeared in The Graphic in March 1882.