Asia - LE BRUYN (Corneille). Voyages of Corneille Le Brun th - Lot 222

Asia - LE BRUYN (Corneille). Voyages of Corneille Le Brun through Muscovy, Persia, and the East Indies. Added the route taken by Mr Isbrants, Ambassador of Muscovy, through Russia and Tartary to China. And some remarks against MM. Chardin & Kempfer. With a letter written to the author on this subject. Amsterdam, Wetstein, 1718. 2 vols. in folio, marbled calf, ornate ribbed spines, gilt roulette on the edges. First edition illustrated with a frontispiece, a portrait, 3 maps, 266 single, double or folding hors-texte plates (some with several subjects) and 44 in-text figures. Impressive for the quantity and quality of the engravings, which illustrate a seven-year journey and cover every facet of it: views of the main cities, including fold-out panoramas of the cities of Isfahan and Moscow measuring almost 2 meters, views of Astrakhan, Samachi...; Samoyed, Russian, Persian, Armenian peoples...; animals, fish, plants (including "extraordinary turnips"); numerous views of Persepolis with details of ornaments, staircase figures, etc.; and portraits of personalities such as the king of Persepolis.and portraits of personalities such as King Hossen of Persia and the King of Bantam, with whom the author was granted an audience. A very fine copy in an excellent edition, with a very fresh interior. Some minor wear or old restorations, a few minor interior defects (including a tear without missing p. 66-67 of Volume I, headpieces and corners restored in places). Expert : Madame Elvire POULAIN-MARQUIS