Burton, Richard Francis

FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes, 8vo, (vol.) xiv, [2 errata], 388pp., 24pp. adverts; (vol.2) [4], iii-iv, 426pp.; (vol.3) x, [2 list of plates], 448pp., half-title in volume 3 (not called for in other volumes), folding map, 14 plates (5 chromolithographs, 8 tinted lithographs, 1 wood-engraving), 3 plans (2 folding), original decorated blue cloth, terracotta endpapers with printed adverts, slipcase, vol.2 frontispiece with marginal inkblot

Casada 53; Penzer, p.43

A fine copy
"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."

Burton was the first English Christian to enter Mekkah and the first European to travel between the holy cities of Islam by the Eastern route. Having travelled from Cairo via Yanbu, Burton reached Medina on 25 July 1853. He remained there for over a month, devoting a whole volume to a description of the city and of the religious rituals in which he took part. On 11 September he reached Mekkah where he performed all the rituals of the haj. He was deeply moved by the great sermon which concludes the Pilgrimage. ''I have seen'' he wrote ''religious ceremonies of many lands, but never - nowhere aught so solemn, so impressive as this spectacle''.