Hajj--Soubhy, Dr Saleh.

First edition, 8vo (242 x 152mm.), 19 photographic plates, after Sadiq Bey, Abd al-Ghaffar and others, modern half calf over marbled boards, text and some plates browned (as usual), final few leaves becoming loose, title a little stained, slight loss to title and lower margin of p.16 (not affecting text)

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 detailed and rare account of the Hajj by an Egyptian doctor, who went on pilgrimage in 1888 and 1894. In his introduction, Soubhy compares his account of the Hajj to those by Europeans that he alleges are more or less fantasies of questionable authority and strewn with errors. Some of the photographs are after Sadiq Bey (1832-1902), who took the first photographs of Mecca and Medina and Abd al-Ghaffar, the first Arab photographer of Mecca (see lot 265). The photographs show Mecca (4), Medina and Jeddah (3), the Mahmal (2), the Kiswah, Mount Arafat and Muna, portraits of Abbas II of Egypt, the Sharif of Mecca, the Sheikh of the Mosque at Medina and a portrait of the author.