VALENTIA Vicomte Georges Voyages dans l’Hindoustan, à Ceylan, sur les deux côtes de la Mer Rouge, en Abyssinie et en Egypte.

Gay, 138; see Abbey, Travel, 515.

First edition of the first French translation, richly illustrated.

The drawings were made by Henry Salt, who accompanied Viscount George Valentia in 1802 as his secretary on the first British mission to Abyssinia, sent to conclude an alliance to obtain a port in the Red Sea in case France, under Napoleon, should seize Egypt.

During the journey that lasted just over four year, the team roamed much of India, Ceylon, the shores of the Red Sea, Abyssinia, and Egypt. As the western coast of the Red Sea, Abyssinia and its neighbouring countries were known very little, Count Valentia proposed to make a precise report in the hope of establishing trade there. The fine atlas contains 28 plates engraved by Victor Adam after the drawings by Henry Salt.

“This work contains much information of a novel and important kind… It was read through the press by Mr. Salt, who was secretary and draughtsman to Lord Valentia” (Lowndes).

Very good copy, text volumes entirely uncut and with deckle edges preserved.