FIRST EDITION, 8vo (210 x 120mm.), half-title, contemporary polished calf, joints cracking at head, slight wear to spine ends

Earl of Kintore, armorial bookplate; Peter Hopkirk, booklabel, his sale in these rooms 14 October 1998, lot 834

Blackmer 770; Weber II, 772; not in Atabey (cf. 548, first French edition, 1792)

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."

FROM THE LIBRARY OF PETER HOPKIRK. RARE, this is the only copy to appear at auction in over 20 years. According to the preface the author was a Greek brought up in Constantinople who served as secretary to a Grand Vizier during the reign of Mustapha III (1757-1774). He eventually entered the Russian service where he met Captain John Elphinstone, who recommended him to the publishers. BMC suggests the work is pseudonymous.