first edition Hardcover
1814 · London
by [Alexander, William]
London: John Murray, Albemarle Street; Printed By W. W. Bulmer and Co., 1814. First. Hardcover. Very Good. v pp (preface), followed by 59, of 60, hand-colored plates called for. Missing Plate 1, "The Kislar Aga". Each plates accompanied by English description on separate leaf. Plates measure 10 by 6.5 inches (book is large octavo). Plates include Sultana or Odalisk, ladle-bearer, musician, first dragoman, the mufti, a Jew, a dervise, a Tartar, and on and on. They are both entertaining, both to gaze at and to read about, and they bring alive the past of a radically different world from the present in a way that no dry historical tome or even a diverting historical novel can do alone. The red half leather is a crude morocco and has some chipping, cracks and wear. Gilt title on spine is likewise only functional, and while bright, is not appealing. Leather is over marbled boards which have some wear but are acceptable. Binding is tight. Plates and text pages with some light soilage scattered but for the most part they can be described as just acceptably age toned. Preliiminary pages have a bit more foxing. Other than missing plate, a very good copy. (Inventory #: 000756)