FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH, 8vo (185 x 124mm.), [4], [2 (blank)], (2)[errata], [i]-ix, [2]-226 pp., contemporary black cloth, preliminary leaf (pp.v-vi) in facsimile, cloth slightly rubbed and cockled

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A VERY RARE AND DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE HAJJ AND MECCA by Mirza Irfan Ali Beg, Deputy Collector in Manipur (on Burma's border) who went on pilgrimage from India to Mecca from 9 April to 9 July 1894. He originally published this daily account of his travels in Urdu (Lucknow, 1895) for the benefit of fellow Muslims, to provide information, advice, and "to warn them of the difficulties they are likely to meet on their way". Ali Beg quickly produced this English translation, one of the objectives being to 'inform the governing power … of the real circumstances of the pilgrimage and thus to seek their help'.

"His observations of Mecca include the slave market, destitute pilgrims, and the local souq where cutlery from Sheffield and Birmingham was sold. He even gives us the prices for various products, goods and services in Mecca. Ali Beg noted the prevalence of Indians who had settled in Mecca and worked as pilgrim guides or shopkeepers. He recorded the arrival of pilgrims from across the Muslim world such as the Egyptian pilgrimage caravan, the mahmal, and the Shi'a Iranian pilgrims, who did not join the general congregation in Mecca's Holy Mosque for prayers. His description of the Hajj rituals is suffused with intense spiritual feeling, combined with irritation at the Bedouins who harassed pilgrims on the road to Mount Arafat, site of one of the rituals." (Dr John Slight, 'Pilgrimage Narratives', www.histecon.magd.cam.ac.uk/sai/mobility/pilgrimage𒆙.html).

We have been unable to trace any auction records for this work in ABPC or Rare Book Hub.