Gemelli-Careri, [Giovanni Francesco]

FIRST FRENCH EDITION, 6 volumes, 12mo (165 x 90mm.), half-titles, engraved frontispiece, engraved portrait of the author, 57 maps and plates (some folding), contemporary brown calf, spine tooled in gilt with raised bands and red labels, speckled edges, a few minor tears and damp stains, light browning and offsetting from plates, expertly re-backed and tooled in period style, some volumes retaining original spines

Western Travellers in China 37

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate. Vol. 4 with tear to D10 and Q4.
"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."

"Giovanni Francesco Gemelli-Careri (1651-1725) left Italy in 1693 and travelled through Turkey, Persia and India. He then continued to Macao and on to Beijing (arriving in November 1695). The Italian Jesuit Claudio Filippo Grimaldi "arranged an audience with the Kangxi Emperor, who apparently regarded Careri as some sort of emissary of the Pope" (Howgego). Careri returned to Macao in via Canton, then sailed for the Philippines in April 1696... Volume 4 is entirely devoted to China" (Western Travellers in China).