25942

Travels from St. Petersburg in Russia. Two Vols. [I]Travels from St. Petersburg in Russia, To Divers

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 700.00 USD
Travels from St. Petersburg in Russia. Two Vols. [I]Travels from St. Petersburg in Russia, To Divers
<B><I>Travels from St. Petersburg in Russia, To Diverse Parts of Asia.</B></I></B></I> By John Bell of Antermony (Glasgow: Robert and Andrew Foulis, 1763), first edition, 357 & 426 pages, errata slip and adverts, large fold out map, quarter calf rebacked with gilt title, 8vo (7.5" x 9.75"). Bell's desire to travel and chronicle the world is best expressed in his own words, "In my youth I had a strong desire of seeing foreign parts; to satisfy which inclination, after having obtained, from some persons of worth, recommendatory letters to Dr Areskine, chief physician and privy counsellor to the Czar Peter the First, I embarked at London, in the month of July, 1714, on board the Prosperity of Ramsgate, Captain Emerson, for St Petersburg. On my arrival there, I was received by Dr Areskine in a very friendly manner, to whom I communicated my intentions of seeking an opportunity of visiting some parts of Asia, at least those parts which border on Russia. Such an opportunity soon presented itself, on occasion of an embassy then preparing, from his Czarish Majesty to the Sophy of Persia." - <I>Preface to his Travels.</B></I> These two books chronicle his travels to Isaphan in Persia, Peking, Siberia, and even gives the exact routes taken. It is said Bell modeled these writings and his reports of the natives and cultures on <I>Gulliver's Travels.</B></I> <BR><BR>The two volumes are in fine condition; both have been rebacked with new leather; corners slightly bumped; all pages and leaves present.