Sadlier, George Foster

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (240 x 154mm.), [4], iv, 158pp., folding lithographed map, original brown cloth spine, printed stiff buff paper covers, morocco-backed folding case

Wilfred Thesiger, bookplate

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

THE THESIGER COPY OF ONE OF THE RAREST ACCOUNTS OF ARABIAN TRAVEL. Sadlier was the first recorded British traveller to enter the Najd region of Arabia. In 1819, the Indian government, anxious to quell the Wahhabi piracy affecting trade in the Persian Gulf, sent Sadlier to enter negotiations with Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt, the de facto ruler of Najd and Hasa and to offer congratulations on the success of Ibrahim's campaigns against the pirates. Although politically the mission was a failure, geographically it was of great significance. For the first time, Sadlier's journey and observations made it possible to determine the proper relative positions of principal places, and it demonstrated the practicability of a body of troops crossing the Najd deserts during the summer months.