Paris, Quay des Augustins, Louis Genneau and Jacques Rollin, 1735.
Quarto, with (1) portrait plate, xxi pp., (3), 328 pp., 242*, (10) pp., 1 folding map of Egypt, 7 plates, including 2 folding plates; small hole on p. 325. Mottled tan calf, covers fully decorated with a double mosaic border alternating brown and tan calf around a darker central panel, all accented with blind-stamped rolls and floral ornaments; gilt border roll, richly decorated raised-band spine, speckled edges. Contemporary binding.
244 × 200 mm.
First edition, illustrated with a portrait of Benoît de Maillet by Edme Jeaurat, 7 full-page plates, including 2 folding plates (pyramids, mummies, animals, etc.), and a folding map of Egypt engraved by Renou.
Quérard, V, 135; Frère, II, 202; Cioranescu, 39042; Graesse, IV, 158.
This work was compiled and published by Abbé Le Mascrier from the memoirs of Benoît de Maillet (1656–1738), French consul in Egypt and inspector of French establishments in the Levant.
Much more than a travel book, it is a genuine study of every aspect of the country and its inhabitants, clearly summarizing all that was known about Egypt at the time.
The Norman historian and abbé Le Mascrier prepared this work from the notes and memoirs left by Benoît de Maillet (1656–1738), French consul in Cairo from 1692 to 1708, who had entrusted them to Le Mascrier to assemble into a book.
A fine copy, attractively bound at the time of publication.
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