A tour through Sicily and Malta. In a series of letters to William Beckford, Esq. of Somerly in Suffolk

Paris: Printed by J. G. A. Stoupe; and sold by J.N. Pissot, and Barrois, 1780. 12mo. 145 x 85 mm., [5 ¾ x 3 ¼ inches].  [8], 264 pp.; [6], 252 pp., including half-titles.  Bound in contemporary tan calf, boards ruled with triple gilt fillets, spine decorated in a leaf and vase motif, red and blue morocco labels.  With pink silk bookmarks and marbled paper endsheets.  The ownership stencil in black ink of "L. Dedeckesberg" appears on  both flyleaves.
A fine set in collector's condition of this scarce Paris-printed pocket edition of this popular travel account recording the "tour through Sicily and Malta" made by Patrick Brydone (1736- 1818) between 14 May and 1 August 1770, part of a longer journey leading William Fullarton (1754-1808) on his grand tour. First published in 1773, Brydone's account, dedicated to William Beckford (d.1799) of Somerley Hall, Suffolk, was one of the first works in English to describe Sicily in any detail.
Filled with classical archaeology, extolling the glories of Mount Etna, replete with vulcanological, geological and electrical observations, the work made Brydone a celebrity, propelling him to election as a fellow of the Royal Society. English- speaking travelers on the grand tour could have purchased this edition from the premises of Pissot and Barrois as they passed through Paris.
ESTC locates 2 copies only of this Paris-printed edition (British Library; National Library of Scotland). (Inventory #: 1260)