[Claude-Etienne Savary] — Lettres Sur L&Apos;Egypte

Paris , Chez Onfroi, 1786. Leather. The complete second edition of Claude-Etienne Savary's compelling letters on Egypt, complete with four folding maps. Second edition. Complete in three volumes.Bound in contemporary mottled calf, with gilt to the spines. Marbled endpapers. Bound with half titles.With four folding maps to Volume I. Collated, complete.  Offered through these letters are comparisons between the ancient and modern customs of Egypt and its inhabitants, with fascinating descriptions of the state, commerce, agriculture and government.From French orientalist, pioneer of Egyptology and translator of the Qur'an, Claude-Etienne Savary. Both his letters and his translation were immensely successful. He had spent two years in Egypt, from 1777 to 1779, and prided himself on his familiarity with the country and with the language. His mentor and friend Guillaume Le Monnier seemed to have an important influence on Savary's ideas, particularly on his conception of travel, as can be seen from his first letter in his Lettres. Bound in contemporary mottled calf. Externally, rubbed to the extremities, notably to the spines. Bookplate of Philip and Phyllis Hill to the front paste downs. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright, with a few scattered spots, slightly heavier to the first and last few leaves. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .