Early adventures in Persia, Susiana, and Babylonia

First edition of Layard's reminisces of his first time in Persia, during which he fell in love with the country and convinced him to abandon his original intention of working in Ceylon. Written after his famous archaeological and political careers, and using notes taken forty years before the time of writing, it is one of the most engaging and romantic travel narratives of the nineteenth century. George Gissing, one of the great English novelists of the day, was glowing in his praise of the work. Interesting also is his relation of Bakhtiari culture, including music, poetry, food, and marriage practices.

First edition; 2 volumes, 8vo (20.5 x 14 cm); 4 plates, 2 of which frontispieces, 1 of which chromolithograph, 3 folding maps; slightly later half red morocco, marbled boards, spines lettered in gilt in six elaborately gilt compartments, top edges gilt, a touch of rubbing to extremities, a very good set; 8, 490; 9, 511pp.

Weber I, 891.