Mission dans les régions désertiques de la Syrie moyenne

First edition, illustrated with 31 plates outside the text, including a map, some folding or double-page. (cf Hague Chahine 1505).

A few insignificant spots of foxing, a pleasing copy overall.

Contemporary Bradel binding in green cloth-backed boards, smooth spine with gilt date at foot, red shagreen title label with a small angular defect, boards covered with 'cat’s eye' marbled paper. Contemporary binding.

The volume is also decorated with numerous illustrations in the text and is an offprint from the Nouvelles Archives des Missions scientifiques, vol. X, documenting the archaeological expedition in the Harra region, conducted alongside Frédéric Macler.

Inscribed by René Dussaud to Baron Rey on the half-title page.

An archaeologist and orientalist, Emmanuel Guillaume Rey (1837–1916) made three journeys to the Near East between 1857 and 1865, during which he explored Palestine, Syria, and southern Turkey. He published numerous works, notably on the Hauran (south of Damascus), the Ansarieh mountains (north of Mount Lebanon), the history and topography of the tribe of Judah, the military architecture of the Crusaders in Syria, and Latin rule in the East.