Lot 03049

Howel Th.-Capper J., “Voyage en retour de l’Inde par terre et par une route inconnue par Thomas Howel suivi d Observations sur le passage dans l’Inde par l’ Egypte et le grand desert par James Capper”, Paris, An V (1796-97). First edition in French. 4to, 27x20cm, large uncut copy, contemporary paperboards slightly rubbed, internally fine. Complete, half title, title and the two folded engraved maps of the Levant. A very good copy. Combined edition in French of two contemporary English travellers accounts of their journeys of return from India, via the Levant, to Europe. It seems more than likely that the translation and the official publication of these works by the Imprimerie de la Republique, was intended to trigger the French interest for the area in front of Napoleon plans to invade Egypt. Howel travelled from India across Persia, Armenia and Anatolia and Capper through the Red Sea, Arabia and Egypt. Both followed unbeaten tracks and provided precious information. RARE. Not in Atabey or Blackmer