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56 - NIEBUHR (Carsten). Description de l'Arabie, d'après les obse…
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Estimate €600 - €800
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Description
NIEBUHR (Carsten). Description de l'Arabie, d'après les observations et recherches faites dans le pays même. Paris: Brunet, 1779. - 2 volumes in-4, 287 x 215: (3 ff.), 56, 252 pp, 15 plates; (2 ff.), 315 pp, (2 ff.), 1 table, 10 plates. Rooted calf, gilt roulette framing the boards, spine ribbed and decorated, marbled edges (contemporary binding). New edition of Mourier's translation, revised and corrected by Guignes, notably for the oriental words. This work presents the results of a Danish scientific expedition to Arabia (1761-1767), led by five scientists - including the mathematician and astronomer Carsten Niebuhr (1733-1815), the only survivor of the voyage - at the behest of the King of Denmark. Conceived as a multidisciplinary investigation (geography, natural history, linguistics, ethnography), this mission was in keeping with the tradition of explorations commissioned by sovereigns. Niebuhr gives a rigorous account, based on direct observations, local accounts (from merchants, Jewish scholars and representatives of various sects) and the notes of his missing companions. The book reveals a hitherto unknown Arabia, where new religious practices (such as an emerging sect in the province of Elred or singular circumcision rites), social customs (polygamy, levirate, tribal nobility), and occult knowledge (natural magic, divination) coexist. Niebuhr also sheds light on historical enigmas, such as the location of biblical cities or the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites, while correcting ancient errors (the "flying snakes" of Basra, locusts). Natural history is not left out: he describes rare plants (such as a manna similar to that of Sinai) and cultural prohibitions (clothing and agricultural taboos). The edition is illustrated with two copper-engraved bands by Le Mire after Marillier, and 25 plates, including several maps. It also includes a fold-out table showing the "Table généalogique de la maison régnante à Sana depuis le temps que les turcs ont été chassés de l'Yémen jusqu'en 1763". Copy in late 18th or early 19th century binding. Spine faded, headcaps missing, rubbing from use, corners dulled. Soiling to some leaves.
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About the sale ENLUMINATIONS, ANCIENT and MODERN BOOKS
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Auction time 06/17/2026 at 2:00 PM
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