133 - Rich J.: Narrative of a residence in Koordistan... with a Voyage down the Tigris to Baghdad. London, 1836

Rich J.: Narrative of a residence in Koordistan... with a Voyage down the Tigris to Baghdad. London, 1836 First and only edition. In 8vo, later 19th century full leather, a fine binding, two volumes in one, edges of pages gilt, some light spotting and browning,complete: 398p., 410p., 2 folding maps, folding plan and 10 lithographed plates (3 double page), overall in very good condition, a lovely copy. According to Atabey, Rich travelled widely in Asia Minor. He was among the very first who penetrated the savage eastern part of Anatolia, the Kurdistan, exploring that area, from Cappadocia to Armenia and returned. In early 19th century eastern Asia Minor was almost independent, under local Turkish and Kurdish tribe s leaders (Derebeys) and Europeans could not approach. In 1810 Rich was appointed East India Company’ s resident in Baghdad. That time this region was accessible only through the Black sea ports and Rich provides early reliable accounts for the Pontic Greeks.The Residence to Koordistan, published posthumously, is Rich’ s most notable work and provide unique detailed early geographical, ethnological and archaeological account for Eastern Anatolia.An impressive illustrated work .Extremely rare References: Atabey 1040, not in Blackmer