MECCA--SNOUCK HURGRONJE, MEKKA [AND BILDER-ATLAS ZU MEKKA], 1888-89

FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes (2 volumes text plus atlas, titled Bilder-Atlas zu Mekka), 8vo (244 x 163mm.) and folio (362 x 270mm.), text with half-titles, 3 double-page pedigree tables, 2 folding plans, errata leaf at end of volume 1, similar (but not identical) calf-backed boards, spine lettered in gilt, slightly rubbed, text volume 2 rebacked to style, atlas with printed contents leaf and 40 plates, comprising 65 photographs mounted on 30 leaves, 6 tinted lithographs and 4 chromolithographs (manuscript annotations in margins of chromolithographs), loose as issued in cloth-backed printed boards portfolio with title on upper cover, ties, scattered spotting to mounts, edges of portfolio slightly rubbed

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."

AN IMPORTANT WORK BY A KEY FIGURE IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY OF MECCA, and one of the first non-Arab photographers of the Hijaz. A respected Dutch orientalist, Snouck Hurgronje spent 1884-5 in Arabia, and published the result of his travels in Mekka and the accompanying atlas of photographs Bilder-Atlas zu Mekka in 1888-1889. Compiled on the eve of Western modernisation of Arabia, this important work is the largest single illustrated monograph on Mecca of its time. The first volume contains an historical survey of Mecca, the second describes the daily life of the inhabitants, based for the most part on the notes compiled by Snouck Hurgronje's Muslim informant from the East Indies, Abu Bakar. The plates are amongst the earliest published photographs illustrating Mecca and pilgrims from all parts of the Islamic world. The photographs were taken by Al-Sayyid Abd al-Ghaffar, a doctor in Mecca who was taught photography by Snouck Hurgronje in 1885. Snouck Hurgronje assumed the name Abd al-Ghaffar when he converted to Islam.