Viaggio di G. A. Olivier nella Persia Complete 4-Volume Set with 17 Engravings

Originally published in French following Olivier’s scientific expedition for the French National Museum of Natural History, this important travel account documents his observations across Persia and the wider Middle East at the end of the eighteenth century. Combining travel narrative, ethnography, natural history, and cultural observations, the work became one of the most influential European descriptions of Persia during the period.

This Italian translation by Cavaliere Borghi was published in Milan by Tipografia Sonzogno in 1816 as part of the renowned collection of travel literature issued by the publisher.

The set is complete in four volumes and illustrated with seventeen copperplate engravings, including several finely hand-coloured ethnographic plates depicting Persian costumes, local figures, and scenes encountered during the journey.

The volumes retain their original marbled paper boards with red gilt-lettered spine labels and present very well as a complete early nineteenth-century set.

Details

• Milan, Tipografia Sonzogno e Comp.
• 1816
• First Italian edition
• Complete set of 4 volumes
• Octavo format (approximately 20 × 12.5 cm)
• Contemporary marbled paper boards
• Original gilt-lettered spine labels
• 17 copperplate engravings
• Includes hand-coloured ethnographic plates
• Translation by Cav. Borghi

Condition

Good overall condition. Light wear to the bindings and edges, mild foxing to title pages, and expected signs of age. The bindings remain structurally sound. Complete with all engraved plates.

Bibliographical Significance

Guillaume-Antoine Olivier was one of the leading French naturalists and travellers of his generation. His journey through Persia provided European readers with valuable information on the geography, customs, political structures, flora, fauna, and daily life of the region. The work remains an important source for the study of Persian history, travel literature, Oriental studies, and early scientific exploration.

The hand-coloured costume plates are particularly sought after by collectors of travel books and ethnographic illustration.