General Map of the Countries comprehended between the Black Sea and the Caspian. [with] Memoir of a Map of the Countries comprehended between the Black Sea and the Caspian; with an account of the Caucasian Nations and Vocabularies of their Languages.

[ELLIS, George].

Published by J. Edwards,, London,, 1788

About this Item

Rare work on the Caucasus 4o (306 x 242mm), iv, 80pp. engraved folding map by S.J. Neele, hand-coloured in outline, ex-libris of John Leith Ross of Arnage and Bourtie, contemporary red morocco, spine in six compartments separated by raised double bands signed "Bound by H. Walther" on inner edge of upper board at hinge, booksellers label "Parkers of Oxford" pasted to upper cover, on ed A splendid and large map of the Caucasus, with an interesting description of its countries and people, and an unusual 22 pages of various vocabularies, including Abkhazian, Osetian and Georgian. A fine example of the first edition. Uncommon: we could trace only three copies selling at auction in the last 30 years. This authorship of this scarce work is generally ascribed to the writer George Ellis (1753-1815). "Ellis spent two years in Russia c.1786 attached to the British legation at St. Petersburg" (Atabey). "The British Library's copy, a gift from Ellis's wife to her niece, has a note from the latter confirming [the attribution], and stating that it was written after his return from a visit to the British ambassador to Russia" (ODNB) (600 by 900mm. (23.5 by 35.5 inches). Atabey 394; Cox I, 235; Lowndes 731. Not in Blackmer. Seller Inventory # 2347

Bibliographic Details

Title: General Map of the Countries comprehended ...

Publisher: J. Edwards,, London,

Publication Date: 1788