Description

Click here to see our other books! Narrative of a Residence in Algiers Filippo Pananti; Edward Blaquiere 1830 Henry Colburn : London 11.5" by 9" vi, [1], 8-16, [1], xx-xxx, 1-467pp SUMMARY A very smart and extremely scarce copy of Filippo Pananti's captivating narrative of his residency in Algiers, following his kidnapping by barbarous pirates. An important edition, with prefatory notes of a political context regarding France's conquest of Early Edition,Folding Maps,Illustrated,Leather Binding Overall Condition: Very Good Indeed This book weighs 2 KG when packed UK Postage: £ 3.99 US Postage: £ 29.99 EU Postage : £ 21.99 European Postage: £ 23.99 Asia Postage: £ 37.99 Worldwide Postage: £ 38.99 DESCRIPTION The second edition of this work, published twelve years after the first English edition. The work was first published in Italian in 1817. This second edition has a preface by one 'E B'. To their preface they note that this publication is still of relevance and is the most 'ample work we possess on a country, which has acquired, and continues to acquire, new claims to public attention both from recent and passing events'. 'E B' is noted by copac as being Edward Blaquiere. Blaquiere was politically active and was also an enthusiastic disciple of Jeremy Bentham. He worked alongside Andreas Lourittis regarding Greek Independence and enlisted Lord Byron to the cause. He also wrote a report on the struggle 'Report on the Present State of the Greek Confederation' (ODNB). The preface looks at the Algiers in its colonial context, being dated June 5th 1830. This was two weeks before Charles X of France invaded and subsequently conquered the then Ottoman Regency of Algiers. Blaquiere refers to rumours that France intend on invading and notes that this would affect the British power in the Mediterranean as during the Napoleonic Wars they had traded with the Regency of Algiers. They state that at this state the invasion is just a rumour published in Paris journals and 'it is true declarations to the contrary have been made, and pledges of moderation offered to our ministers; but those who are at all acquainted with modern diplomacy, will know how to estimate such promise'. This work was published at a time of political question regarding the fate of Algiers, and therefore this second edition has been issued as a form of propaganda. There is also a short preface dated May 1830 on 'The Expedition Against Algiers' this describes a fleet comprising of 103 warships and 464 transports departing Toulon to Algiers. The entire fleet did not arrive until 14th June. This lucid report explains Pananti's journey prior to the kidnapping, the events of the kidnapping itself, and his time in Algiers. He explains his observations regarding christian slavery, barbary, the standard of living, clothing and several other aspects of society including marriage. In addition, Pananti gives descriptions of the vegetation and flora as well as the domestic and wild animals. With the bookplate of Norman Douglas Simpson to the front pastedown. It is probable the bookplate is of the botanist from Yorkshire of the same name. Dpig;as So,[spm wore 'A Bibliographical Index of the British Flora'. Illustrated, with a hand-coloured aquatint frontispiece, a map of Algiers, a plan of the city and a loosely inserted, neatly produced reference to the Plan of Algiers in ink. This ink plan has the name 'R Parker' to the bottom and indicates fortification and the British squadron during the Naval Operation of 1816. A very smartly bound copy of this fascinating work, published here at a time of political tension regarding the French colonization of Africa. CONDITION In a half calf binding with paper covered boards. Externally, very smart with just some light rubbing to the joints, spine and extremities. Light rubbing to the boards. Bookplate to the front pastedown, Norman Douglas Simpson. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Professional repair to the bottom margin of page 393-4. Occasional light scattered spots to pages, heavier to the first and last few pages. Overall Condition: Very Good Indeed GLOSSARY OF TERMS Overall Condition (Dustwrapper condition rating is shown after that for the book itself, where a dustwrapper is present) Fine - Very well preserved copy showing very little wear Very Good Indeed - Only one or two minor faults, really a very attractive copy Very Good - Quite a wide term meaning no major faults but probably several smaller ones often expected given the age of the book, but still a respectable copy Good - Meaning not very good. Some more serious faults as will be described in the condition report under 'condition' Good Only - Meaning one or more faults that could really do with repair Fair - As with good only above but with other faults leaving a compromised copy even after repair Poor - Really bad and possibly seriously incomplete. We only sell books in this condition where their rarity or value makes them attractive none the less. Major defects will be described. GUARANTEE We offer a full money back guarantee on our descriptions. Please ask for details and conditions. We prefer PAYPAL. If you pay via PAYPAL we will post the item off the same or the next working day with the postage you have selected. Please note we cannot accept USD cheques