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Ibn Batuta / Samuel Lee (ed.). The Travels of Ibn Batuta. Translated from the abridged Arabic manuscript …London, 1829.

First edition of the first substantial English translation of the travel account of Abu Abdullah Mohammed ibn Batuta (1304-68/69), known in the West as the Arabian Marco Polo, with extensive footnotes. A presentation copy with a special presentation leaf, gifted to the Junior United Service Club, whose bookplate this copy bears.

"While on a pilgrimage to Mecca [Ibn Batuta] made a decision to extend his travels throughout the whole of the Islamic world. Possibly the most remarkable of the Arab travellers, he is estimated to have covered 75,000 miles in forty years" (Howgego). His journeys included trips to North Africa, the Horn of Africa, West Africa and Eastern Europe in the West, and to the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China.

The account, known as the Rihla, is esteemed for its lively descriptions of his travels, giving notable information on the history, geography and botany of the countries and cities Ibn Batuta visited, such as Tangiers, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Arabia, Persia, Africa, Central Asia, India, Ceylon, and China. He describes, for example, the city of Aden as follows: "From this place I went to the city of Aden, which is situated on the sea-shore. This is a large city, but without either seed, water, or tree. They have, however, reservoirs, in which they collect the rain-water for drinking. Some rich merchants reside here: and vessels from India occasionally arrive here. The inhabitants are modest and religious" (p. 55).

Tesla, Nikola, Serbian-American inventor (1856-1943). Autograph letter signed ("N. Tesla").New York, 26 Jan 1894.

To his friend Robert Underwood Johnson, editor of The Century Magazine, on the first photographs taken with phosphorescent light: "From the samples your actress showed to me to-day I think that we can obtain excellent photos. This ingenious sheme of combining with the phosphorescent light a flash will no doubt succeed. I have seen some defects in the method we have employed last time and think that the next time we shall do better. I shall arrange for an other trial, but I think that we must perform a few more experiments before we come to a definite result, such as would be a credit to your magazine and to your article. You must therefore give us all the time you can [...]".

Tesla developed the first practical phosphorescent lamp, and would take the first photograph to be illuminated by phosphorescence - an image of Tesla himself holding the bulb in a rather dimly-lit room - in the weeks preceding this letter.

Lawrence, D[avid] H[erbert]. Lady Chatterley's Lover.Florence, 1928.

First edition, number 205 of 1000 copies signed by the author. Privately printed in Italy and available by subscription only, the book was banned in England and America for obscenity for over thirty years. In notoriously frank language, the novel tells the story of the physical and emotional relationship between a working-class man and an upper-class woman. Remarkably, given its subsequent central importance in the history of publishing and censorship, "Lady Chatterley's Lover" was written in the astonishing time of just five weeks, in "one of Lawrence's last great bursts of creative energy [...] With the help of the Florentine bookseller Pino Orioli, the handsome volume was printed in and distributed from Florence, and made Lawrence more money than he had ever imagined" (John Worthen, ODNB).

Hayek, Friedrich August, Austrian-British economist (1899-1992). "Notes for lectures". Autograph manuscript signed ("F. A. Hayek").No place or date.

Fine notes for three lectures on political philosophy and economics prepared by the Nobel laureate Friedrich August Hayek. The first, titled "The Miscarriage of the Democratic Ideal", corresponds with the title of a chapter in Hayek's last major work of social philosophy, "Law, Legislation and Liberty" (1973-79), which laments the far-reaching powers of democratic government: "The present forms of democratic government suffer from a mistaken design. It was erroneously believed that the opinion of the majority was a sufficient check on governmental powers. Therefore all the checks intended to limit the powers of government have been removed. The result is unlimited democracy which can govern more arbitrarily than all constitutional governments of the past [...]".

The other two lectures address "The Generation of Wealth", stressing the importance of adaptation and labour division, as well as "The Signals of the Market", criticizing some of the greatest minds of economics, including Adam Smith and Karl Marx, for having overlooked the key function of prices as signals of an evolving market.

The 1974 Nobel committee that awarded Hayek and Gunnar Myrdal their joint medal in Economics pointed to "their pioneering work in the theory of money and economic fluctuations and for their penetrating analysis of the interdependence of economic, social and institutional phenomena".

In excellent condition.

Freud, Sigmund, Austrian neurologist, founder of psychoanalysis (1856-1939). Autograph letter signed ("Freud").Vienna, 28 Jul 1927.

In German to the American journalist and statesman Arthur Sweetser (1888-1968) on an alarming incident involving Sweetser's son, Harold, who is suffering from a "sinister illness" that recently caused him to have a seizure when playing with other children; and with thanks for the positive attitude Sweetser has nonetheless retained towards the psychoanalytic treatment his son had received: "Die unheimliche Erkrankung Ihres kleinen Harald, sein plötzliches Entführtwerden aus einem Kreis spielender Kinder [...] setzte sich zu einem erschreckenden und demütigenden Gesamtbild zusammen und wirkte auf uns wie eine Lähmung [...] Indem Sie aus der selbstverständlichen Pflege, die Harald hier fand soviel machten, nicht die Nutzlosigkeit der analytischen Arbeit betonten sondern das erfreuliche Bild festhielten, das sie geschaffen hatte [...], haben Sie das Dunkel verscheucht, der menschlichen Seele direkt zum Sieg über das brutale Schicksal verholfen [...]".

Freud further acknowledges the receipt of a cheque for $1,000 to support the "Internationaler Psychoanalytischer Verlag", and thanks Sweetser for writing a letter to the Rockefeller Foundation in support of psychoanalysis.

Traces of rust near upper left corner. Otherwise in excellent condtion.

Kipling, Rudyard, English novelist and short story writer (1865-1936). Eight autograph and typed letters, signed.Various, 3 October 1918 - 23 June 1935.

Eight signed letters by Rudyard Kipling on literary themes, to his long-time correspondent Ronald Barnes, 3rd Baron Gorell (1884-1963) and long-time editor of the Cornhill Magazine. Ranging from discussions of WWI poetry and the rise of Nazism to the fickle tastes for poetry among the masses, Kipling and Barnes kept up a lively conversation for decades. In 1933, Kipling puts forward a theory on war poetry:

"This isn't a world, just now, where there is general recognition of Beauty. Did you notice how, after the War, the men who sung dwelt, quite naturally, on the harsh lines and colours of the wreckage in which they had lived for years. And their metres conformed to their scheme. Later, when they drew free of the first stresses, they pinned their themes to some small intense personal aspect of some small thing, long watched and intensely pored over. (All the same as a man under fire in a tobacco field for hours, watches the wet trickling down the veined leaves till they seem part of his brain.) The fellows who hadn't 'been there' imitated - that's my theory - and emphasized the note and structure of harshness without the authentic experiences to bite it in." A few years later, Kipling reflects on his legacy: "Moreover, people who are interested in modern poetry are not enamoured of my stuff which, to them, represents - quite naturally - outworn methods, settings and adjectives, plus an objectionable 'political outlook and orientation'".

Kipling advises Gorell to avoid Pope's 'heroic' tradition' within his own poetry, praises an article by Wylde on modern India, and disputes Gorell's faith in progress: "It is not 'progress' nor have 'brigandage and warfare' ceased within this land. Any one who takes a walk after paying his taxes knows better". He praises the Cornhill Magazine, discusses the thankless job of running any magazine, and questions the purpose of releasing public statements in praise of Cornhill: "I know all this sounds abominably ungracious, but, after all, one has only one life to live".

Hans Holbein the Younger / Chamberlaine, John (ed.). Imitations of Original Drawings by Hans Holbein, in the Collection of His …London, 1792-1800.

A fine copy of the first edition. This impressive example of 18th century British colour printing in an elaborate binding, boasting over eighty very fine plates, has been hailed as the best of its kind: "This magnificent work is surely the finest example of English color printing" (Ray); "In every way a splendid book" (Abbey). The original Holbein drawings upon which these prints are based were nearly lost, and were hardly seen for centuries until their rediscovery by none other than Queen Caroline of England. Upon being liberated from a bureau of the queen's personal closet at Kensington Palace, colour printed 'imitations' of the drawings were subsequently published under the auspices of John Chamberlaine (1745-1812), Keeper of the drawings of George III. Hardie writes of the copies that "there are few, if any, results more successfully and adequately achieved than these stippled illustrations". Biographical notices were provided by Edmund Lodge (1756-1839), and the whole work was issued over the years 1792 to 1800, with plates known in several states. The present copy includes plates on pink paper, on pink paper mounted on white sheets, and a few on white paper.

Holbein's portraits of the court of Henry VIII are not only beloved for their striking and vivid artistry, but for the way they define the image of the entire Tudor period. The finely produced prints showcase Holbein's abilities as a portraitist of some of the most famous - and infamous - faces in British history.

Charles III & Diana, as Prince of Wales (b. 1948) & Princess of Wales (1961-1997). Autograph Christmas and New Year's card, inscribed by Diana and signed …United Kingdom, 1986.

Inscribed by Diana for Nicki: "With masses of love from the four of us". Signed by Diana and Charles in their respective hands. Opposite, a mounted colour photograph of the seated Prince and Princess of Wales with the young Princes William and Harry in red shorts, a Jack Russell dog on Diana's lap.

Faint spot near the name "Nicki"; paper surface loss to upper margin above photograph with small loss of gilt-ruled border, and further paper surface loss to margins of lower board (probably from previous mounting in an album).

[Waqidi, Abu Abd Allah al-]. Futuh Ifriqiya [The Conquest of Ifriqiya].Sub-Saharan Africa or Sudan, 16 January 1898 CE = 22 Sha'ban 1315 H.

A Sub-Saharan or Sudanese manuscript on the conquest of Africa through Uqba ibn Amir (d. 677/8 CE) under the reign of the Caliph Uthman (ca. 576-656 CE), closely based on the work by the Golden Age historian al-Waqidi (ca. 747-823 CE). While some passages are identical to al-Waqidi's history, other sections have been omitted and new information has been added, suggesting a work with several sources, among which Al-Waqidi is the predominant one.

The focus of this chronicle is important to the history both of Africa as well as of Islam: aside from their secular roles, Caliph Uthman and the conqueror Uqba ibn Amir were both companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Uthman ruled over the Rashidun Caliphate at the pinnacle of its power and expanse, including Mediterranean Africa and Nubia (today largely Sudan). It is particularly interesting that this is, as identified by its script and style, a sub-Saharan or Sudanese manuscript, an African manuscript on the history of Africa - though its main source, the historian Al-Waqidi, was a native of Medina. While largely based on and paraphrasing al-Waqidi's work, this manuscript is the only extant variant of "Futuh Ifriqiya" of its kind we have been able to identify, and may be a unique text.

[Franco-Prussian War - Ambulances de la Presse]. Printed passport with handwritten entries.Paris, 20 Dec 1870.

Rare document issued during the Siege of Paris by the Ambulances de la Presse for a Parisian servant named Dufresne, accrediting him as a first responder and requesting free passage for him: "Laissez-Passer - Monsieur Dufresne, domestique, demeurant 7 Rue Greffhule [!] attaché aux Ambulances de la Presse, annexes du Ministère de la Guerre, pour relever les blessés sur le camp de bataille".

The Ambulances de la Presse were founded on an initiative of the French press in September 1870 after the collapse of the Second French Empire and would be active beyond the end of the war, until some weeks after the fall of the Paris Commune. The document was issued in the name of the general secretary of the Ambulances de la Presse, the famous journalist and editor at Le Figaro, Albert Dardenne de la Grangerie.

Stamped "Payé". Somewhat soiled and minor foxing, several minor tears and traces of folds.

[Switzerland - Vaud]. Printed passport with handwritten entries.Nyon, 21 Jan 1794.

Interesting document from the final years of Bernese rule in Vaud and Nyon, as highlighted by Bern's woodcut coat of arms at the head of the form. The passport was issued by M. Aneth, secretary to the bailiff of Nyon, in the name of Jean Gaudin, a young man from nearby Begnins who was travelling to Geneva and back. It includes a description of Gaudin's appearance, also mentioning the amount of money he was carrying. Gaudin's entering and departing from the canton of Geneva in Versoix were noted by two different magistrates, one entry dated 24 Ventôse II (14 February 1794).

While the Revolution had reached Geneva as early as 1792, with rather tumultous consequences, the Canton of Vaud would drive out the Bernese governor in 1798 (with the support of French troops), ending 360 years of foreign rule. The newly-declared Lemanic Republic would soon be incorporated as a canton to the Helvetic Republic (1798-1803).

Minor browning and mimal tears.

[Nicolotti, T.]. Bombardamento della citta di Tolone fatto da gl' Imperiali ed Aleati l'Anno …No place, ca. 1707.

Rare, decorative manuscript map of the 1707 Siege of Toulon on the French Riviera during the War of the Spanish Succession. Carried out meticulously and in great detail, it features a lovely cartouche in the lower right corner. The map indicates the town and port of Toulon, the forts of Santa Catarina and Sainte-Marguerite, both briefly held by the Allies, the towns of La Valette-du-Var, Ardenes, and the hospital on Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, along with powder magazines and encampments against the rolling hinterlands.

A nearly identical map, signed by the Italian draughtsman T. Nicolotti (fl. 1701-07) and drawn as a trompe l'oeil inset within a larger map of the coast of France and Italy that showing the marches and camps of the Allied and French armies in 1707, is owned by the Royal Collection Trust (RCIN 725097). It differs from the present map merely in colouring and the arrangement of the legend text.

The siege of Toulon took place between 29 July and 21 August 1707, when a combined Savoyard-Imperial army, supported by a British naval force, attacked the French base at Toulon. The town successfully resisted the siege, while thousands of Allied troops were incapacitated by disease.

Two sections somewhat browned. Lower right corner of the backing board chipped, with slight loss to legend text. The pierced cardboard backing suggests that the map was once wall-mounted.

[Saudi Arabia]. [Mineral Occurence Database].Saudi Arabia, no date.

Rare user's guide for the Mineral Occurence Documentation System (MODS), a database constituting the main mineral information base of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The personal copy of Dr. Soliman Mahmoud Soliman, professor of Geology in Qatar (and previously of Ain Shams University in Cairo), who published prolifically on topics related to oil prospecting; his ownership to front cover.

As stated in the introduction, the database was prepared by the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research, a scientific institution also providing expertise and resources for mining operations. In French regions and abroad, BRGM, with its growing reputation as the subsurface specialist, was increasingly called upon. Their database aims to contain information related to every mineral and non-metallic reservoir located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Operating to this day, MODS provides detailed data on mineral resources and prospecting projects, including geochemical and geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and drilling.

Soliman, M. Soliman / Fetouh, Magdi A. El. Carboniferous of Egypt: Isopach and Lithofacies maps.No place, 1970.

Rare scientific paper on the carboniferous rocks of northern, Egypt issued by Dr. Soliman Mahmoud Soliman, professor of Geology in Qatar (and previously of Ain Shams University in Cairo), who published prolifically on topics related to oil prospecting. After a thorough geological analysis revealing the absence of source rocks, the present paper concludes that the petroleum found in the carboniferous strata of oil fields in the Gulf of Suez province probably migrated from younger strata. Illustrated with detailed geological maps of northern Egypt.

Reprinted for private circulation from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, vol. 54, no. 10, October 1970.

In excellent condition.

UNESCO. Bulletin of the UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Technology in the …Cairo, July-September 1976.

Rare issue of the quarterly newsletter of the UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Technology in the Arab States (ROSTAS) based in Cairo. Printed entirely in Arabic, the bulletin includes a statement on the "Conference of Ministers of Arab States responsible for the Application of Science and Technology to Development", held in Rabat from 16 to 25 August 1976, as well as a report on the history and work of ROSTAS. With a quotation by the Muslim scholar Ibn Khaldun on rear wrappers, including an English translation by Franz Rosenthal.

Manuscript Arabic ownership to front cover. Small tears to spine. Otherwise in fine condition.