Travels in Turkey, Asia-Minor, Syria, and across the Desert into Egypt

WITTMAN (William, M.D.).

Travels in Turkey, Asia-Minor, Syria, and across the Desert into Egypt during the years 1799, 1800, and 1801, in Company with the Turkish Army and the British Military Mission. To which are annexed, Observations on the Plague, and on the Diseases Prevalen

AUTHOR'S PRESENTATION COPY

First edition. Folding engraved frontispiece, a large folding map, a hand-coloured folding plan, a total of 19 (of 21) full page plates of views and costumes and a large folding facsimile of a Turkish passport (this, the frontispiece and the map with significant paper repairs to the folds). 4to. Contemporary tree calf, with a gilt spine and contrasting morocco label, outer hinges cracked and spine very worn. Bookplate to upper pastedown, former owner’s signature to title page. xvi, 596, [1]pp. London, Richard Phillips, 1803.

£1,250.00

WITTMAN (William, M.D.).

Travels in Turkey, Asia-Minor, Syria, and across the Desert into Egypt during the years 1799, 1800, and 1801, in Company with the Turkish Army and the British Military Mission. To which are annexed, Observations on the Plague, and on the Diseases Prevalen

Wittman travelled with the Turkish forces overland to Egypt to engage the French as part of the British Military Mission in 1799.

A fascinating association copy. The front free endpaper bears the following inscription: “This book is presented with much pleasure by the author to Col. Lloyd, as a mark of esteem, and as a testimony of gratitude for friendly attentions while in Egypt. Woolwich Common, May 29 1805.” The margins and blank areas of a few pages also carry long inscriptions and corrections, presumably by the Colonel. One of the inscriptions reads, in part: “My friend Dr. Wittman has not taken notice that on my arrival, and encamping with the Turkish Army, The Grand Vizier invested me with a Sable Pelice, and again when I was ordered by Lord Hutchinson to proceed to take the command at Damietta and the Grand Vizier having placed a detachment of the Turkish Army under my orders, his highness invested me with an Ermine Pelice, and when I took my leave of him, he observed ‘That I was now, a Turkish Officer.’ I should likewise take notice that his Highness the Grand Vizier sent for my acceptance, two very fine horses.”

This copy lacks plates (i) ‘A Greek Lady’ and (xiv) ‘A Mameluke Soldier’ which are provided here in uncoloured facsimile, loosely inserted.

Blackmer 1832; Ibrahim-Hilmy II, 339; not in Abbey.

Stock No.

220014

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Travels in Turkey, Asia-Minor, Syria, and across the Desert into Egypt during the years 1799, 1800, and 1801, in Company with the Turkish Army and the British Military Mission. To which are annexed, Observations on the Plague, and on the Diseases Prevalen

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