A SECRET PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA AND MEDINA; introduced by Tim Macintosh-Smith
London: The Folio Society, 2004. Early B&W Photos; Map; Schema. First Printing. Gilt-stamped decorative cloth. Quarto (10 1/4 x 7" x 2 1/2" with slipcase); tan cloth with gilt lettering and black delineations of an open Qur'ran on wooden stand above image of Richard Burton in white Ihram garb on spine + more elaborate delineations of the holy sites of Mecca and Medina with pilgrims & camels on front cover; illustrated with frontispiece photo of Burton & 28 glossy period B&W/sepia photos of Arabia, Mecca, & Medina & sacred sites + full-page folded map of RB's journey laid in; light tan topstain; tan endpapers; xvii, [xviii-xx] + 539 pages. Carboard black slipcase. Weight: 3 lbs. 10 oz. Like New. Item #10118
Sir Richard Francis Burton, KCMG, FRGS (1821-1890), was an intrepid 19th century English explorer, scholar, orientalist, poet, translator, cartographer, spy, fencer and diplomat, who explored in Africa and Asia and studied Oriental literature and American religions. He was famed for his travels and explorations in Asia, Africa, the Americas, & Arabia, as well as for his extraordinary knowledge of languages and cultures. According to one count, he spoke 29 languages!
A polymath, Burton was a prolific and erudite author who wrote numerous books and scholarly articles about a broad range of subjects including human behaviour, falconry, fencing, sexual practices, ethnography, and travel to exotic and often dangerous places...like the forbidden sacred cities Mecca and Medina of Islam.
SUPERBLY ILLUSTRATED & presented edition of a classic. As a non-believer, though generally respectful, Burton's intrepid-foolhardy-prohibited-yet learned Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Mecca was first published in 1855-56...and is here retitled, handsomely bound, and illustrated with excellent period photos.
SUPERB like NEW OVERALL CONDITION: Very tight, bright, & clean with handsomely designed binding, quality paper, and remarkable glossy period B&W/sepia photographs of Arabian sites and natives relating to and including Mecca and Medina. No previous owner markings. Solid and clean slipcase.
Price: $125.00