About this Item
Edinburgh 1788, Creech. Full contemporary leather,2 vol. set 2 etched copper folding maps, 442+544p., some minor cracks to hinge, not loose, minor corner wear, solid copy, gold stamped spine, as is contents clean & bright, 14 x 22 cm. Covering the famous travels overland beginning in 1715-1718 to Ispahan, part of a journey to Peking in China through Siberia, in the years 1719-1721, with a very nice map of the author's routes between Moscow & Pekin, with an Embassy from His Imperial Majesty, Peter the First to the Sophy of Pers- ia, Sach Hussein Anno MDCCXV. Vol. I covers the origin of the Embassy from St. Petersburg & then restarting to Peking. With observations along the way through Kalmucks, Tomsky Tzu- limm Tartars, Elimsky, Iakutsky, Kamtzatskky, Lake Baykal Selinginsky, Kutachtu, Selinginskyk, hunting, Saratzyn & the boundary between the Russian & Chinese territories. Saratzyn entering the Chinese land to the Great wall, and Pekin. Aud- ience with the ambassadors, occurrences at Pekin, festivals, New Years celebrations, audience with the Emperor & return. The wonderful overland journey from Russia to Peking of the diplomatic Ambassadors. * A fascinating account of the trip & what was observed along the way. Through the Great Wall, in to Peking, and to the Emperor's internal court. This early primary resource addresses the people, customs, flora, fauna ethnography of the Chinese.With a useful glossary of Chinese numbers, & vocabulary also in Mongol, Tangut Indostan & Mantzuir. A grand work, loaded with keen insights & observation on the whole area. Of major import is the commentary on the Mongols & Mongolia. Bell was the only Englishman in the Emb- assy, & was the official physician. His lucid remarks are a valuable early record of the area. * This is also the first Embassy to Ispahan in Persia, Central Asia, Mongolia, and to Peking. Bell was a British expatriate, who accompanied the embassies of Peter the Great, strong on manners and customs, this also includes a translation of De Lange's journal relating to the court of Peking. A very fascinating early primary resource. * Note: we may have more than one binding or variant edition so please request scans for the copy you are interested in. * BIBLIOGRAPHY: E. Cox: A REFERENCE GULIDE TO THE LITERATURE OF TRAVEL, P.342, 256. * H. Cordier: SINICA 2093 * Crowther 2031. * Gaskell 415. * Lust 314. * Nerhood 78. * Scans can be sent by email.
Seller Inventory # 97019105
Contact seller
Report this item