Travels through Syria and Egypt, in the Years 1783, 1784, and 1785

London: G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1787. First English language edition. Hardcover. Very Good. 2 vol. 8vo. [4], i-xii, [1], 2-418, [4]; [5], ii-iv, [1], 2-500, [18] pp. Contemporary tree calf with the spines in six compartments, two red morocco labels lettered in gilt on each spine, spines with gilt decorations including shining suns embossed in gilt; all edges decoratively stained yellow. A very attractive binding indeed. Illustrated with two folding maps and with three copper-engraved folding plates. Atabey 1303. Cox I 235. Lowndes V 2790. University of Toronto, British Armorial Bindings, "Smith, John, Sir, 1st Baronet (1744 -1807)". Baronet John Smith's (truncated) bookplates on each volume's front pastedown. Smith was the first in the Smith-Marriott Baronetcy. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. Smith also served as the High Sheriff of Dorset. Originally published in Paris in 1787, this is the first English Language edition. Completing the title page: Containing the present natural and political state of those countries, their productions, arts, manufactures, and commerce; with observations on the manners, customs, and goverment of the Turks and Arabs. According to Cox this is "one of the most exact and valuable works of the kind ever published ... ". Volney served in the Estates-General and was later imprisoned during the reign of terror, before gaining favor with Napoleon. His visit to Syria and Egypt was inspired by a love of ancient history and philology. A fascinating Enlightenment-era travel narrative of the Near East, beautified by its detailed maps and illustrations. Joints show some wear, but the bindings are secure and firm. A bookplate was removed from each free front endpaper, with volume one's endpaper showing two small spots of loss. Each endpaper has a small inscription denoting these as first editions. (Inventory #: 000012449)