The Travels ... into Persia and the East-Indies.

First Edition in English. Chardin was a dealer in jewels who first travelled to the East in 1665; his most important voyage was made in 1671 and he travelled by a different route than prior visitors as he proceeded by way of the Black Sea and bordering countries. He remained with the Persian court for four years, was robbed of almost all he possessed, but returned to Europe, via the Cape of Good Hope, an extremely rich man. He left France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, was knighted by Charles II and died in 1712. “His account of the Persian Court and of his business transactions with the Shah are of great interest. Sir William Jones regarded his narrative as the best yet published on the Mohammedan nations” (Cox).

Folio (313 × 195 mm). Contemporary dark calf, rebacked with original spine laid down, red morocco label, further repairs to top edge of front board and corners. Engraved portrait frontispiece, additional engraved title, folding map and 16 plates (of which 11 are folding), engraved title vignette, headpieces and initials. Book label of Edward Faridany. Extremities rubbed, some tears to plates repaired on verso, one plate with small hole, a few trivial marginal stains towards end, overall a very good copy, the paper strong and fresh.