Jean Chardin — Voyages de Mr. Le Chevalier Chardin

Amsterdam, Jean Louis de Lorme, 1711. First edition. Leather. The scarce first complete ten volume edition of Chardin"s celebrated travels in Persia and the East, offering a detailed early European account of Persia in the late 17th century. In the original French.Complete with all ten volumes, bound in five.The first complete edition of Jean Chardin's travel works, with this edition bringing together Chardin"s travels in Persia and the East, including material not present in the earlier partial publications of the late seventeenth century.The work provides detailed accounts of Safavid Persia, including its court, customs, commerce and cities such as Isfahan, together with observations on neighbouring regions and travel routes. Chardin"s narrative is noted for its descriptive and ethnographic detail, based on repeated journeys in the region. Illustrated with: one portrait plate to volume I; four plates to volume VI, three of which are folding; three to volume VIII, two of which are folding; five folding plates to volume IX.Collated, lacking seventy-two engraved plates and folding letterpress leaves. In place of these contemporary blank leaves are supplied, captioned with what the plate should be. So rather interesting - if disappointing. Pwerhaps a very early proof printing before the plates were finalised. Priced accordingly. But still handsome contemporary bindings or an important work. In contemporary calf bindings with gilt detailing to back strips, and with former owner's inscriptions to a front blank of each volume.A principal early European source on Persia, widely regarded as one of the most important travel accounts of the Near East. In contemporary calf bindings with gilt detailing to back strip. Rubbing to joints, raised bands, and back strip heads and tails. Lacking volume V spine label. Volume II joints, head of volume III rear joint, head of volume IV joints and head of rear joint of volume V starting, with boards firmly held. Front hinge of volume I strained but firmly held. Inscription to a front free endpaper of each volume. Internally, firmly bound. Pages lightly age toned, with the odd spot and handling mark throughout. Lacking seventy-two engraved plates and folding letterpress leaves. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .