SIMEON SIMONOVICH, “Opisanie S(via)tago B(o)zhiya Grada Ier(usa)lima” [A description of Gods Holy city of Jerusalem], [Moscow], 1771. First edition of one of the EARLIEST RUSSIAN printed TRAVEL ACCOUNTS. 4to, (21x17cm), contemporary binding rubbed. Title page with loss in the lower part and restored, irregular pagination, 53p. (pages 3-4 never printed, one other missing). With all the 69 fine illustrations, very early examples of Russian printed views. Bound with 68 pages of manuscript text in Church Slavonic language. The pages facing each other. Although Russians were travelling in the Holy Land since the Middle Ages, their travel accounts were manuscript. In the 18th century, Russian printing developed quickly, although most of the books were still printed in German or French. This is an illustrated travel guide to the Holy Land, including Jerusalem and other places, in Russian and follows the Russian travel itineraries to the South. With strong Orthodox Church influence, the views depict several monasteries and places in Palestine, as well religious scenes. The amount of early printed Russian illustrations is considerable. Condition: 19th cent. paper boards, trimmed, wormholes on inner joints, 2 sheets detached, wear on parts of spine and board edges. Most inner pages and engravings in Fine condition. A rare early Russian printed travel guide.