- 276
O'Donovan, Edmund
Estimate
500 - 700 GBP
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Description
- The Merv Oasis. Travels and adventures east of the Caspian during the years 1879-80-81. London: Smith, Elder, & Co., 1882
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo (215 x 135mm.), half-titles, frontispieces, 14 plans, maps and facsimiles, some folding, folding map in pocket at end, original brown cloth
Literature
Ghani, p.285; Wilson, p.161 (citing also a New York edition of 1881, probably an error for 1883); Yakushi (1994) O24a
Condition
a good copy
"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
"In 1879 O'Donovan undertook, as Daily News correspondent, his celebrated journey to Merv in Turkestan—a daring, difficult, and hazardous feat, with which his name became associated. From the Russian advanced posts on the south-eastern shores of the Caspian Sea he travelled through Khorasan, and eventually, with great difficulty and at considerable risk, accompanied only by two native servants, he reached Merv. He was at first suspected by the Turkomans of being an agent of the Russians, who were then threatening an advance on Merv. For several months he consequently remained in Merv in a sort of honourable captivity, in danger of death any day, and with no prospect of release.
According to his own account, O'Donovan helped mount artillery, and was made one of the ruling triumvirate. He managed to send into Persia a message, which was thence telegraphed to John Robinson, the manager of the Daily News. In this dispatch O'Donovan explained his position, and appealed to his friend: ‘For God's sake get me out of this’. Robinson applied to the Foreign Office and to the Russian ambassador in London, and immediate steps were taken to effect O'Donovan's release. However, by his own efforts, combining courage with diplomacy, he extricated himself from his perilous position. On returning to London ‘the man of Merv’ was a celebrity, and he read a paper to the Royal Geographical Society. In 1882 he published a book on his adventures, The Merv oasis." (ODNB)
According to his own account, O'Donovan helped mount artillery, and was made one of the ruling triumvirate. He managed to send into Persia a message, which was thence telegraphed to John Robinson, the manager of the Daily News. In this dispatch O'Donovan explained his position, and appealed to his friend: ‘For God's sake get me out of this’. Robinson applied to the Foreign Office and to the Russian ambassador in London, and immediate steps were taken to effect O'Donovan's release. However, by his own efforts, combining courage with diplomacy, he extricated himself from his perilous position. On returning to London ‘the man of Merv’ was a celebrity, and he read a paper to the Royal Geographical Society. In 1882 he published a book on his adventures, The Merv oasis." (ODNB)