Tancoigne M.: Lettres sur la Perse et la Turquie d Asie. Paris 1819 First edition. In 8vo 20 x 14 cm, contemporary red leather over boards slightly rubbed, upper cover of first volume almost detached, spines gilt. Very light scattered spotting. Complete the narrative in two volumes. Collation: [14], 302 p., 295 p., and three (3) fine lithographs colored by contemporary hand. Overall in very good condition. Tancoigne served as secretary to the embassy sent by Napoleon to Persia in 1807, traveling with General Gardane through Anatolia and Pontus. As these Asiatic provinces of the Ottoman Empire had been in complete anarchy for several decades, only a well-organized state mission could pass through without immediate danger. Very few travel accounts exist for this region and period, and Tancoigne’s is among the best, as the embassy included scientists, geographer-engineers, and artists. The detailed itinerary is of great value, and the plates are beautifully contemporary hand colored. Rare. References: Atabey 1193, not in Blackmer