WITH THE VERY FIRST MAP TO MENTION KUWAIT

NIEBUHR, CARSTEN.

Beschreibung von Arabien aus eigenen Beobachtungen und im Lande selbst gesammleten Nachrichten abgefasset.

Kopenhagen, Nicolaus Möller, 1772. 4to. Bound in a very fine contemp. Danish full calf binding, blindtooled covers and a gilt border on covers (spejlbind - Cambridge binding style) with 5 raised bands and richly gilt compartments. Titlelabel with gilt lettering. Engraved titlevignette. XLVII,(1),431,(1) pp., 1 large folded map, handcoloured in outline (Terræ Yemen) and 24 engraved plates (of which 6 are charts, 2 handcoloured, many large folded). One folded plate repaired in outer margin, outside image and a small close tear with repairs on verso. A bit of browning to a few foldings. A fine copy on good paper with broad margins.

First edition of Niebuhr's famous classical account of his Arabian travel, being the first scientific expedition to Arabia Felix. Having the famous map of Yemen (35x55 cm.) in outline colouring and the large folded map of the Arab Gulf (Mare Rubrum seu Sinus Arabicus), which is the first map at all to mention Kuwait.
"Niebuhr was one of the best scientific travellers that ever lived... His works have long been classical, and even noW must be consulted by any who desires to have the most trustworthy accounts,.." (Enc. Brit. 9th ed.).

Order-nr.: 54250