FIRST EDITION, 12mo (127 x 78mm.), title with woodcut device, woodcut headpiece, advertisement leaf at end, contemporary calf with 'greek-key' border gilt, flat spine gilt, marbled endpapers, some tears (without loss of text) and staining, binding worn

Gay 2196; Hage Chahine 3817; Hilmy II, p.133; Koç I 155; Weber II 604; not in Atabey or Blackmer

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."

VERY RARE. Potocki (1761-1815) was a wealthy Polish nobleman who decided at the age of 23 to travel East to Turkey and Egypt, instead of France or Italy like many of his contemporaries. This, his first publication, is formed of a series of letters written to his mother to reassure her during his travels, but which also hint at the dangers on the road. Potocki provides descriptions of Constantinople and Cairo, mentions the Mahmal procession to Mecca from both cities, and visiting the pyramids. According to auction records the last complete copy sold at auction was in 1972.