Alexander (William) Picturesque Representations of the Dress and Manners of the Turks., for James Goodwin, [1814].

Lot description

Alexander (William) Picturesque Representations of the Dress and Manners of the Turks, 60 hand-coloured engraved plates, endpapers lightly creased, ink ownership signature dated 1838 on frontispiece recto, small paper repairs to one or two tissue-guards, light scattered spotting, contemporary half morocco, spine gilt, corners lightly bumped, extremities rubbed, t.e.g., 4to, for James Goodwin, [1814]. *** In the preface, the author argues that “illusions and errors” arising from shallow and distant observations have led some writers to present mere “phantoms” as if they were the true religions, laws, and customs of the Turks. Seeking to correct these misconceptions, the book presents a wide range of costumes from across 19th-century Turkish society, including military officers, religious figures, merchants, musicians, government officials, and diverse ethnic groups, from Jews to Egyptians.