8 - [NORTH AFRICA] SHAW, Thomas. Travels of Mons. Shaw, M.D., through Several Provinces of Barbary and the Levant, Containing Geographical, Physical, and Philological Observations on the Kingdoms of Algiers and Tunis, Syria, Egypt, and Arabia Petrea.

[NORTH AFRICA] SHAW, Thomas. Travels of Mons. Shaw, M.D., through Several Provinces of Barbary and the Levant, Containing Geographical, Physical, and Philological Observations on the Kingdoms of Algiers and Tunis, Syria, Egypt, and Arabia Petrea. First French edition of this important collection of observations, illustrated with 33 separate copperplate engravings, including 12 maps and plans. The Hague, Jean Neaulme, 1743. 2 volumes in-4 (200 x 270 mm), each bound in fawn-colored half-basane with corner pieces, spine with 4 raised bands, panels framed by a double gilt line and decorated with fleurons, title and volume number labels in red leather, red edges. Title page, XLIV and 414 pages; IV–192 pages and 172 pages (excerpts from several ancient authors and other documents). 12 maps and plans, including 8 fold-out maps, and 21 plates, including 4 fold-out plates; numerous illustrations in the text, headpieces, initials, and tailpieces. Titles printed in black and red. Bindings rubbed, top cap damaged on the first volume, corners repaired, a few foxing spots and light stains on some plates, 3 fold-out plates delicately reinforced. First edition of the French translation of one of the most important 18th-century works on North Africa, Egypt, and Syria. It is illustrated with 12 maps and plans (including 8 fold-out maps and a fragment of the famous Peutinger Table) and 21 plates of natural history and antiquities (including 4 fold-outs: botany, zoology, numismatics, and a plate on music). [Brunet V, 362] It is the work of the Reverend Thomas Shaw (1694–1751), a scholar and chaplain at the English trading post in Algiers, where he resided for twelve years. Taking advantage of this long period of immersion, he undertook numerous, often perilous, expeditions throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Shaw returned with a vast body of geographical, archaeological, and anthropological observations on local customs. On the scientific front, his exceptional rigor was bolstered in particular by his collaboration with the renowned botanist Johann Jakob Dillenius, making this work a major reference for the study of the natural history of the Levant in the 18th century. Handwritten bookplates in both volumes reading “G. Nicole,” architect of civil buildings. A fine copy, complete with all its plates and in beautifully fresh condition throughout.