Snouck-Hurgronje, C.

First edition, 3 volumes (2 volumes text and atlas, titled 'Bilder-Atlas zu Mekka'), 8vo (239 x 163mm.) and 4to (363 x 270mm.), text with half-titles, 2 folding plans, errata leaf at end of volume 1, contemporary half calf, atlas with printed contents leaf and 40 plates, comprising 65 mounted photographs on 30 leaves, 6 tinted lithographs and 4 chromolithographs, loose as issued in contemporary half cloth portfolio with printed title mounted on upper cover, ties, portfolio somewhat discoloured and soiled 

Dr. G.F. Pijper, book label in each volume

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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 good copy of an important work by a key figure in the early history of photography of Mecca and one of the first non-Arab photographers of the Hijaz.

A respected Dutch orientalist, Hurgronje spent 1884-5 in Arabia, and published the result of his travels in Mekka and the accompanying atlas of photographs Bilder-Atlas zu Mekka in 1888-1889. Compiled on the eve of Western modernisation of Arabia, this important work is the largest single illustrated monograph on Mecca of its time. The first volume contains an historical survey of Mecca, the second describes the daily life of the inhabitants, based for the most part on the notes compiled by Snouck Hurgronje's Muslim informant from the East Indies, Abu Bakar. The plates are amongst the earliest published photographs illustrating Mecca and pilgrims from all parts of the Islamic world. The photographs were taken by Al-Sayyid Abd al-Ghaffar, a doctor in Mecca who was taught photography by Snouck Hurgronje in 1885. Snouck Hurgronje assumed the name Abd al-Ghaffar when he converted to Islam.