FRANCKLIN, William (1763–1839). Observations Made

FRANCKLIN, William (1763–1839). Observations Made on a Tour from Bengal to Persia in the Years 1786–7. With a Short Account of the Remains of the Celebrated Palace of Persepolis; and Other Interesting Events. London: for T. Cadell, 1790. 8vo. Modern half calf antique over marbled boards, red morocco lettering–piece gilt, gilt centerpieces in compartments bordered by gilt fillets, renewed endpapers. Provenance: William Blackburne (neat signature on title, some marginalia in his hand). SECOND EDITION (first in English), first published in Calcutta in 1788. Francklin spent a period of eight months between 1786 and 1787 living with a Persian family in Shiraz, and this experience together with several additional trips during the same period, comprises the substance of this narrative. An officer of the East India Company, Francklin was an accomplished middle eastern traveler. His work encompasses customs, religion, poetry, and painting with aplomb, and provides a concise account of the recent political history of Persia.