1754 · London
by Hanway, Jonas
London: T. Osborne [et al.], 1754. 2 vols., 4to, 9 engraved folding maps, 19 engraved plates, a number of engraved vignettes in the text; recent handsome half brown morocco over olive linen sides, red and green morocco labels on gilt-paneled spines; very nice copy. Cox I, p. 255: "Hanway was a well-known traveler and philanthropist, popularly remembered as the pioneer user of the umbrella. Readers of Boswell will recall Johnson's severe criticism of his essay attacking tea-drinking. As a partner of a St. Petersburg merchant, he made a journey in 1743 down the Volga and by the Caspian Sea to Persia with a caravan of woolen goods, and returned in 1745 by the same route after many perilous adventures. He reached London in 1750. He later filled several public positions, and had a street named after him in London and a monument erected to him in Westminster Abbey. Dr. Johnson said of him, "that he acquired a reputation travelling abroad, but lost it all by travelling at home." This was in reference to his "Eight Days" trip in England [Journal of an Eight Days' Journey, London, 1756]."
(Inventory #: 24566)