Lot 03070

Tancoigne M., “Lettres sur la Perse et la Turquie d’Asie”, Paris, 1819. First edition. Only the first volume (which includes the journey of his travel, through Anatolia and Armenia to Persia). 8vo, 20x14cm, pp. [14], 302. Contemporary full blind-stamped leather slightly rubbed, richly gilt, some scattered spotting. A very good copy. Tancoigne was a secretary of the embassy sent by Napoleon to Persia in 1807 and travelled, with general Gardane, through Anatolia and Pontus. As all these Asiatic provinces of the Ottoman empire were in full anarchy for several decades, only a well organized State mission could go through relatively safe. There are very few travel accounts for this area and Tancoigne account is among the best, as the embassy was followed by skilled scientists, geographer-engineers and artists. This detailed itinerary is precious. VERY RARE. Atabey 1193, not in Blackmer