155 - Carstens NIEBUHR. Description of Arabia, Based on Observations and Research Conducted in the Country Itself… Paris, Brunet, 1779. 2 volumes, in-4, marbled calfskin, triple fillet, smoothly decorated spines (contemporary binding).

Carstens NIEBUHR. Description of Arabia, Based on Observations and Research Conducted in the Country Itself… Paris, Brunet, 1779. 2 volumes, in-4, marbled calfskin, triple fillet, smoothly decorated spines (contemporary binding). Brunet, IV-74 /// I. (3f.)-56-252 / II. (2f.)-315-(2f.) New, revised, and corrected edition. The first French edition, translated by Mourier, was published in Copenhagen in 1773, one year after the original German edition. It was reprinted in Amsterdam in 1774 and was followed by the edition we present here, whose translation was carefully revised by M. de Guignes due to the most glaring errors, &… Arabic… that was highly incorrect. The volumes are illustrated with 25 separate copperplate engravings, including 7 fold-out plates and one fold-out table. Nine of the plates are signed by Le Mire. The others are unsigned. They depict figures, scenes, dwellings, reproductions of medals, stelae, maps… Born in 1733 in a town in the province of Hanover, Carstens Niebuhr was initially a farmer like his father, but, interested in the sciences, he left for Hamburg, where he studied Latin, mathematics… In 1761, he was offered the opportunity to join an expedition to Arabia as a mathematician, accompanied by the orientalist von Haven, the naturalist Forskaal, the physician Cramer, and the painter Baurenfeind. Niebuhr did not return to Copenhagen until 1767, alone, as his companions had perished during the expedition. He received permission from the Danish government to publish an account of his journey for his own profit; the book was a great success and was supplemented in 1837 by a posthumous volume. A fine copy despite some rubbing on the spine and a slight touch of rust on one leaf.