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Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah -
Sir Richard Francis Burton
1855-56 - Longman, London - First Edition
First edition of ‘one of the greatest works of travel ever published’ [Penzler], by the magnificent Sir Richard Francis Burton who was ‘the first English Christian to enter Mecca of his own free will as a true Mohammedan pilgrim, and not as a convert’.
Finely bound and illustrated throughout with with five colour and eight tinted lithograph plates, one black and white plate, and four maps and plans (three of which are folding).
‘A most remarkable work of the highest value’ – T.E. Lawrence.
‘Neither Koran or Sultan enjoin the death of Jew or Christian intruding within the columns that note the sanctuary limits, nothing could save a European detected by the populace, or one who after pilgrimage declared himself an unbeliever.’
Seven years in India gave Burton a familiarity with the customs and behaviour of Muslims. He planned his journey whilst travelling disguised among Sindhi Muslims, and prepared and studied extensively for the Hajj, even getting circumcised to further prevent discovery.
More details
Price HK$ 50,000
1855-56 - Longman, London - First Edition
First edition of ‘one of the greatest works of travel ever published’ [Penzler], by the magnificent Sir Richard Francis Burton who was ‘the first English Christian to enter Mecca of his own free will as a true Mohammedan pilgrim, and not as a convert’.Finely bound and illustrated throughout with with five colour and eight tinted lithograph plates, one black and white plate, and four maps and plans (three of which are folding).
‘A most remarkable work of the highest value’ – T.E. Lawrence.
‘Neither Koran or Sultan enjoin the death of Jew or Christian intruding within the columns that note the sanctuary limits, nothing could save a European detected by the populace, or one who after pilgrimage declared himself an unbeliever.’
Seven years in India gave Burton a familiarity with the customs and behaviour of Muslims. He planned his journey whilst travelling disguised among Sindhi Muslims, and prepared and studied extensively for the Hajj, even getting circumcised to further prevent discovery.
More details
Price HK$ 50,000
Life of the Amir Dost Mohammed Khan, of Kabul; with his political proceedings towards the English, Russian, and Persian governments, including the victory and disasters of the British army in Afghanistan -
Mohan Lal
1846 - Longman, London - First Edition
A rare and important work. Illustrated with nineteen portraits printed on India paper.
In this two-volume biography, Indian diplomat and author Mohan Lal (1812–77) describes the life of Amir Dost Mohammed Khan (1793–1863), the ruler of Afghanistan. The work also includes an eye-witness account of the disastrous First Anglo-Afghan War.
Lal, who was attached to the British mission to Kabul, had prepared an account in English and Persian which was lost during the chaos of the War, but he later put the story together again. In his Preface, Lal apologises to the reader for his abundant errors both in grammar and idiom and explains that anecdotes about the Amir's adventures and morals were generally communicated to him second-hand. However, the book, which contains illustrations and draws on personal correspondence, is a fascinating account of the ruler himself and of his political dealings with the English, Russian and Persian governments at the time of the 'Great Game' in Central Asia. [CUP]
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Price HK$ 18,000
1846 - Longman, London - First Edition
A rare and important work. Illustrated with nineteen portraits printed on India paper.In this two-volume biography, Indian diplomat and author Mohan Lal (1812–77) describes the life of Amir Dost Mohammed Khan (1793–1863), the ruler of Afghanistan. The work also includes an eye-witness account of the disastrous First Anglo-Afghan War.
Lal, who was attached to the British mission to Kabul, had prepared an account in English and Persian which was lost during the chaos of the War, but he later put the story together again. In his Preface, Lal apologises to the reader for his abundant errors both in grammar and idiom and explains that anecdotes about the Amir's adventures and morals were generally communicated to him second-hand. However, the book, which contains illustrations and draws on personal correspondence, is a fascinating account of the ruler himself and of his political dealings with the English, Russian and Persian governments at the time of the 'Great Game' in Central Asia. [CUP]
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Price HK$ 18,000
The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Ispahan - with - The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Ispahan in England -
James J. Morier
1824 - John Murray, London - First Editions
This is the first edition of two satyrical books considered the most popular ‘Oriental’ novels in the English language – two hundred years old yet so famous the U.S. Airforce named an airlift after them and they inspired a Hollywood movie.
The first book follows the fictional Hajji Baba, the son of a barber from Isfahan, a likeable rogue who, in various guises including robber, doctor and executioner, is caught up in a series of extraordinary and farcical adventures.
‘Hajji Baba, the barber’s son, entered his native place, as Mirza Hajji Baba, the Shah’s deputy. Need I say more?’
The second book follows Hajji Baba to England as an emissary of the shah of Persia, and then as he is called back in shame – possibly to his own execution.
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Price HK$ 9,000
1824 - John Murray, London - First Editions
This is the first edition of two satyrical books considered the most popular ‘Oriental’ novels in the English language – two hundred years old yet so famous the U.S. Airforce named an airlift after them and they inspired a Hollywood movie.The first book follows the fictional Hajji Baba, the son of a barber from Isfahan, a likeable rogue who, in various guises including robber, doctor and executioner, is caught up in a series of extraordinary and farcical adventures.
‘Hajji Baba, the barber’s son, entered his native place, as Mirza Hajji Baba, the Shah’s deputy. Need I say more?’
The second book follows Hajji Baba to England as an emissary of the shah of Persia, and then as he is called back in shame – possibly to his own execution.
More details
Price HK$ 9,000