Burckhardt, John Lewis

FIRST EDITION, 4to (269 x 207mm.), [vi], xcii, 544pp., [ii pp. adverts], etched portrait, 3 engraved maps [2 folding], contemporary red straight-grained morocco, full gilt spine, flat raised bands, covers extensively bordered in gilt and blind, wide gilt turn-ins and matching inside joints, dark green endpapers, gilt edges, slightly spotted, minor tear to large folding map

The Prince of Wales' copy, with the feathers insignia in gilt on both covers; Joseph Ruston, armorial bookplate

Hilmy I p.105; cf. Blackmer 238 and Weber I 106 (both refer to second edition)

A very good copy
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"Burckhardt possessed the best qualifications for a traveller. He prepared meticulously for his voyages... even when this made it seem to contemporaries that he was slow and hesitant. Daring and yet prudent, a close and accurate observer with an intimate knowledge of the manners and language of the people among whom he travelled, he was able to accomplish feats of exploration which to others would have been impossible" (ODNB).

This is the first of Burckhardt's works to be published. He "left Aleppo in 1812 and made his way to Cairo; he then carried out two journeys: one along the upper Nile and the other through the Nubian desert. These travels were edited from Burckhardt's journals by Leake; he also wrote the biographical memoir which is prefaced to the travels" (Blackmer).