- 80
Richardson, John
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- A Dictionary, Persian, Arabic, and English. To which is prefixed a dissertation on the languages, literature, and manners of Eastern nations. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1777-1780
- Paper
FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, folio (425 x 255mm.), list of subscribers and 4 page 'Table of the Christian and Mahommedan eras' in volume 2, volume 1 in near contemporary (Indian?) red calico, volume 2 in contemporary speckled calf, some light waterstains, minor tears and worming, bindings worn
Literature
Not in Ghani (cf. p.583, edition of 1806-10), Schnurrer (cf. p.396 reference to 1806 edition) or Wilson
Condition
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."
"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
THE RARE FIRST EDITION OF THIS TRILINGUAL PERSIAN, ARABIC AND ENGLISH DICTIONARY, which became a standard reference for many years, and was revised by Charles Wilkins in the nineteenth century. The Orientalist John Richardson F.S.A. (c.1740-95) studied Arabic and Persian in London, and was greatly influenced by William Jones. 'By 1770 Jones and Richardson were working on a new version of Franciscus Meninski's Thesaurus linguarum orientalium, first published in 1680–87. Progress was very slow, and Jones withdrew to concentrate on his legal career, leaving the field to Richardson' (ODNB). The list of subscribers reveals that the majority were overseas residents living in India; the Honourable East India Company subscribed to 150 copies, and Warren Hastings (the Governor-General of India) subscribed to 6 copies.
Only one complete set is recorded sold at auction in over 40 years (ABPC and RareBookHub).