Attractive, fresh example of the atlas, uncut, from the most desirable edition enhanced with new and larger plates. Printed on thick paper and extra-illustrated with a large hand-coloured map of the whole region.

'Chardin was a Huguenot who was forced to emigrate to England. He was knighted by Charles II and on his death was buried in Westminster Abbey. His first visit to the East was made in 1665, at the age of twenty-two, when he both gratified a love of travelling and carried on his trade as a dealer in jewels. His more important voyage was made in 1671. His route differed from that usually taken by travellers to the East Indies in that he proceeded by way of the Black Sea and the countries bordering thereon' (Cox I p 249-250).

'Chardin set out for Persia for a second time in August 1671, but on this occasion diverted through Smyrna and Constantinople, and took the Black Sea Route to Caucasia, Mingrelia and Georgia, finally arriving at Esfahan in June 1673. In Georgia he heard of a race of warlike women, the Amazons, who had at some time in the recent past invaded a kingdom to the northwest. He remained in Persia for four years, as he says 'chiefly following the court in its removals, but also making some particular journeys.., as well as studying the language.' He apparently knew Esfahan better than Paris, and visited nearly every part of the country. His account of the Persian court and his business transactions with the shah are of considerable interest. In 1677 he proceeded to India, afterwards returning to France by way of the Cape of Good Hope' (Howgego C102); His second and more notable voyage to Persia, is important because it is in the account of this voyage that he describes life in late Safavid Persia' (Ghani p. 71).

This edition of Chardin's classic account of Persia includes new plates not found in previous editions, among others, lovely views of Tbilisi (Tiflis), Erevan, Ispahan, Persepolis as well as Georgian and Persian costumes, views of lavish palace rooms and the Coronation of Suleyman.

With 85 engravings on 64 sheets (9 folding), including portrait of Chardin, 18 sheets with double-illustrations and 1 sheet with 4, with additional large folding map of Asia with outline coloured by hand by P. Lapie, 1810, engraved by Blondeau, all protected with original tissue guards. Recent half-calf over marbled boards.