Chesney, Francis Rawdon

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 4to (250 x 157mm.), half-titles, 2 tinted lithographed frontispieces (one folding), 47 plates, original blue cloth, some pen and pencil markings, minor browning and staining, light rubbing of bindings, lacking folding tables, engraved folding map in lower cover of volume one and the separate slipcase of maps

Ampleforth Abbey, bookplates, stamps and labels

Atabey 234; Blackmer 337

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Chesney explored the Euphrates twice, at first alone, on a raft, in secret and at great risk (he frequently came under fire from hostile Arabs) and later by steamer, although the second attempt was no less fraught with difficulty than the first (the Tigris was wrecked and there were numerous physical obstacles to overcome). He was sent to China before finishing this work and part of the manuscript was lost, hence only two volumes were published (four are called for one the title-page). In addition to Iraq, there is considerable information on Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Arabia (including Mecca), the Nejd, Hadramaut and Oman.