HILL, Aaron (1685–1750). A Full and Just Account

HILL, Aaron (1685–1750). A Full and Just Account of the Present State of the Ottoman Empire… London: for the author by John Mayo, 1709. Folio (343 x 216 mm). 8 engravings including frontispiece, each with an explanatory leaf of text. (Small marginal tear to lower corner margin of frontispiece and title, some marginal browning). Full modern paneled goatskin antique, raised bands, compartments completely gilt, renewed endpapers. FIRST EDITION. “Hill's Ottoman Empire was a luxury publication designed to establish its author's social and literary credentials at nearly 350 pages it was an impressive achievement for a 24-year-old. Hill's primary model was the diplomat Sir Paul Rycaut's Present State of the Ottoman Empire of 1668. He borrows many of Rycaut's observations on the political, institutional, and religious history of the Turks yet he is undoubtedly more interested in projecting himself into the picture as an adventure hero Hill dramatizes himself struggling with knifewielding Arabs, finally stabbing one to death, going underwater pearl-diving, braving storms and dangerous tempests on his sea journey to Samon and, finally, enduring 'A Strange Accident which befell the Author in a Vault among the Mummys'” (Gerrard, Aaron Hill: The Muses' Projector, 1685-1750, p.22). Atabey 580; Blackmer 817 (second edition); not in Burrell.