Peter Bichsel   Fine Books

Nearchos. Voyage de Néarque, des bouches de l'Indus jusqu'à l'Euphrate, ou Journal de l'expédition de la flotte d'Alexandre. 3 vols.

With engr. frontispiece, 6 folding maps and 2 folding tables. XL, 360, 16 pp.; (4), 434 pp.; (4), 431 pp. 8vo. Contemp. half calf with gilt spine title, all edges dyed red. – Paris, Chapelet, an VIII (1800).

First edition of the French translation by Jean-Baptiste Louis Joseph Billecocq (1765–1829), based on the English translation by William Vincent (1739–1815). Vincents translation was initially published 1797 in London. The ancient writer Nearchus (1st century BC) accompanied Alexander the Great on his Asian campaign and is well regarded for his account of the sea expedition from the Indus to the Euphrates. Essays by Reverend Dr. Samuel Horsley, William Wales and Mr. de la Rochette are added to the ancient text. The maps show Makran and Panjab, the river Indus, the coast of Markan, the coast of Persia, the gulf of Persia and a broader view of the entire region. All maps were engraved by Pierre Antoine Tardieu (1784–1869). With the bookplates of entrepreneur and collector Franz of Pollack-Parnau (1903-1981). – Cf. Seebass 1945, 106. – Binding slightly rubbed. Some offsetting from binding on flyleaves. Few stains in vol. II. Clean and beautiful copy in all. – Best.-Nr. 27259