- 1027
Pitts, Joseph
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description
- Pitts, Joseph
- A True and Faithful Account of the Religion and Manners of the Mohammetans. In which is a particular Relation of their Pilgrimage to Mecca, the Place of Mohammet's Birth; and a Description of Medina, and of his Tomb there. Exeter: Printed by S. Farley for Philip Bishop, 1704
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 8vo (184 x 106mm.), [xvi], 183pp., contemporary speckled sheep, expertly rebacked with full gilt spine and red label
Provenance
"Thomas Cartwright of Aynho, in The County of Northampton, Esqr., 1698", engraved armorial bookplate
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Pitts was forced into captivity as a slave at Algiers in 1679 when the merchantman in which he was sailing was captured by an Algerian pirate ship. In 1680, after torture led him to make a declaration of his conversion to Islam, he accompanied his master on the pilgrimage to Mecca via Cairo - of which he gives a very graphic account - Suez and Jeddah. After fifteen years captivity he succeeded in escaping but on his first night back in England was impressed for the navy, from which with difficulty he obtained his release. His work is the first authentic record by an Englishman of the pilgrimage to Mecca and gives a brief but sensible and consistent account of what he saw. This copy is taller than other copies sold in the last 15 years in these rooms.