Arminius Vambery – Voyages d’un Faux Derviche dans L’Asie Centrale – 1865

A first French edition of the famous account of the Hungarian traveller Armin Vambery, who disguised himself as a Muslim to travel throughout Central Asia and Iran in the mid-19th century.

Between 1861 and 1864 Vambery visited major trading and cultural centres including Samarkand, Khiva, Tehran and Bukhara, as well as parts of Turkey and the Caucasus. The publication of the book created a sensation in Europe and brought renown to its author.

With 34 woodcut engravings, separated by tissue guards, and a map of the region. Translated from the English by E.D. Forgues.

Published by Hachette in Paris in 1865. Hardback, bound in green morocco with raised bands and gilt lettering to spine. All edges gilt. In very good condition, some minor rubbing externally, clean inside with no writing.