SOLTYKOFF, Prince Alexis. - Lot 236

SOLTYKOFF, Prince Alexis. Voyage en Perse. Paris, Curmer et Lecou, 1851. In-4. (6)-140 pp. two titles in black and gilt with large engraved vignette, 20 numbered lithographed plates. Publisher's blue polychrome percale with richly ornamented Persian-style decoration, wide border and large polychrome plate on the first cover, cold border and gilt and mosaic composition on the second, ornate smooth spine, gilt edges (a few freckles, inner spine weakened in places with a few leaves sometimes a little dislodged, small discreet spalls and rubbing in a few places on the binding). First edition of the French translation of Soltykoff's travel impressions, illustrated with 20 large lithographs in black on a prepared bistre ground by Trayer and Émile Beau after drawings by the author. Born into one of Russia's leading families, Prince Alexei Soltykoff (1806-1859) embarked on a diplomatic career. In 1838, he was sent on a mission to Teheran, under the reign of Muhammad shah, where he spent almost a year. Vicaire, VII, 575. Schwab, 544.