1738, ISBN: 2223e4d20dbd0692361e8d50212f8136

[SC: 11.12], [PU: Oxford: Printed at the Theatre, 1738], BOOKS TRAVEL & EXPLORATION MIDDLE EAST LEVANT AFRICA EGYPT NOISBN, First edition, large paper issue (42 cm in height, the regular … More...

[SC: 11.12], [PU: Oxford: Printed at the Theatre, 1738], BOOKS TRAVEL & EXPLORATION MIDDLE EAST LEVANT AFRICA EGYPT NOISBN, First edition, large paper issue (42 cm in height, the regular issue 34 cm), of Shaw's account of his travels across North Africa and the Levant, a major travel account praised for the accuracy of its description, and the quality of the book's design and illustration. Chaplain to the English factory at Algiers, Shaw travelled extensively in Egypt, Sinai, Cyprus, and the Holy Land in 1721-2 and to Tunis and Carthage in 1727, as well as making various excursions into the interior of the Barbary states, Algiers, Tripoli, and Morocco. On his return Shaw published the travels, "which included maps, plates, lists of animals, plants (about 640 species), fossils, coins, and inscriptions, and a copious index. He had engaged the botanist Johann Jakob Dillenius to catalogue his flora. Dedicated to George II, the book also acknowledged the generous patronage of Queen Caroline. The bibliophile Thomas Dibdin called the work 'a safe inmate' of a well-chosen collection and exhorted 'Fly, fly, to secure it' (Library Companion, 1824, 2.48). It was especially admired for the illustrations of natural history, of classical authors, and of the scriptures. Gibbon honourably excepts him from the crowd of 'blind' travellers (E. Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, chap. 24), while his scrupulous veracity was vindicated by James Bruce and later African explorers" (ODNB). Blackmer 1533; ESTC T114689; Howgego, I, S92; Ibrahim-Hilmy II p. 233; Lowndes 2372. Folio (414 x 261 mm). Contemporary mottled calf, rebacked, spine richly gilt with red morocco label, red edges. With 11 maps, 6 of them folding or double-page, 20 plates, folding itinerary, one page of music, title-page vignette of the Theatre and 6 engraved head- and tail-pieces by Gravelot, historiated initials, numerous illustrations to the text. Covers with craquelure, calf restored in places, minor rubbing at extremities, closed tear not affecting text at foot of B2. A very good wide-margined copy, contents clean and crisp.<

1751, ISBN: 2223e4d20dbd0692361e8d50212f8136

[SC: 13.45], HISTORIE/AFRIKAHISTORIE/ÆGYPTOLOGIHISTORIE/MELLEMØSTEN N187/NYERHVERVELSER, Printed at the Theatre, Oxford 1738. Folio. Titlepage printed in red and black and with engraved v… More...

[SC: 13.45], HISTORIE/AFRIKAHISTORIE/ÆGYPTOLOGIHISTORIE/MELLEMØSTEN N187/NYERHVERVELSER, Printed at the Theatre, Oxford 1738. Folio. Titlepage printed in red and black and with engraved vignette of the Sheldonian Theatre. VIII+442+(2)+(-IX-XV)+Errata+60+(8 = Index) pages. With 11 engraved maps and plans, of which 6 folding + 21 engraved plates. Contemporary full brown calf-binding. Spine professionally renewed; boards repaired; endpapers renewed. The first leaves restored. * Thomas Shaw (1694-1751) was chaplain to the English factory at Algiers from 1722 to 1733. During this period he visited Egypt, the Holy Land, Cyprus and most of North Africa, especially Tunis, Algeria and Carthage. The preface is adorned with a lovely engraved vignette showing Shaw working in his studio.<

1738, ISBN: 2223e4d20dbd0692361e8d50212f8136

[SC: 18.0], [PU: Oxford, Printed for the Theatre, 1738.], With 34 engr. maps or plates, some double-leaves, and some engr. head-pieces in the text. 4 leaves, XV, (1), 442 pp., 1 leaf, 60 … More...

[SC: 18.0], [PU: Oxford, Printed for the Theatre, 1738.], With 34 engr. maps or plates, some double-leaves, and some engr. head-pieces in the text. 4 leaves, XV, (1), 442 pp., 1 leaf, 60 pp., 4 leaves index. Folio. Recent full morocco over 6 raised bands, spine gilt (sign. Erica Knus). Contains accounts on the Kingdom of Algiers, on the Kingdom of Tunis, both geographical and physical (natural history), observations relating to Syria, Egypt, (Arabia Petraea). The 60-page annex contains a collection of papers which served to illustrate the observations to the countries described. – Very clean copy in an appropriate recent private binding.<