[SIR JAMES PORTER ]:OBSERVATIONS ON THE RELIGION, LAW, GOVERNMENT AND MANNERS OF THE TURKS, LONDON 1768 First edition, in small 8vo, contemporary full leather rubbed,joints splitting, upper joint weak, cover starts to detach, armorial stamps on covers, spine richly gilt, complete two volumes in one, text clean and bright, overall in almost very good condition. Porter served as British Ambassador to Constantinople.Unlike many travelogues that were based on quick visits, porter spent years in the Levant,had access to the political and social inner workings of the Ottoman capital and provide accurate descriptions and detailed information about the governance of the Ottoman Empire. Porter was a keen observer of the decline of the Ottoman power and focused on the daily life, commerce and manners of the people of Constantinople. A special chapter is dedicated to the Greeks and their religion and customs. His account was published anonymously due to his diplomatic position. Atabey 946, Blackmer 1332