Chesney, Francis Rawdon

FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes, 8vo, (vol.1) xxviii, [ii list of maps], 800pp., 2 folding tables; (vol.2) xvi, 778pp., [ii pp. colophon]; (vol.3, Maps) original blue cloth slipcase containing 13 folding maps, half-titles in text volumes, together 49 lithographed plates as called for [48 tinted], and 14 folding maps [13 in the slipcase, 1 in the rear pocket of vol.1], illustrations, original blindstamped blue-green cloth, slipcase, text vol. bindings slightly rubbed, all spines rather faded

Atabey 234; Blackmer 337; Ghani p.74; Wilson p.41

A good copy with some fading to spines
"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."

Chesney, the founder of the overland route to India, was sent to China before finishing this work and part of the manuscript was lost, hence only two volumes were published (four are called for on the title-page - but see lot 262). The Russo-Turkish war was over by the time Chesney reached Constantinople in 1829 and so the British ambassador at the Porte, Sir R. Gordon, persuaded him to make a tour of inspection in Egypt and Syria. This was an undertaking of moment, for Chesney was the first to prove the feasibility of the Suez Canal. He explored the Euphrates twice, at first alone, on a raft, in secret and at great risk (he frequently came under fire from hostile Arabs) and later by steamer, although the second attempt was no less fraught with difficulty than the first (the Tigris was wrecked and there were numerous physical obstacles to overcome). He was clearly an explorer of the first order and his courage and perseverance were matched only by his attention to detail and thoroughness in the surveys he produced.