HISTORICAL RESEARCHES ON THE WAR AND SPORTS OF THE MONGOLS AND ROMANS: In Which Elephants and Wild Beasts were Employed or Slain and the Rmarkable Local Agreement of History with the Remains of Such Animals Found in Europe and Siberia. Containing Life of Ghenghis Khan, his unparalleled Conquests. - Life of the Grand Khan Kulai: Life of Tamurlaine: Their Battles; Splendid Courts; and Grand Hunting Expeditions. - Siberia described in Summer; Mongol Sovereigns; invasions from China and Bengalla; Battles; Rich Tombs. - Conquest of Russia by a Grandson of Genghis Khan - Fisheries of the Walrus, called Mammoth by the Siberians; Errors arising therefrom. - Roman Wars and sports with Elephants and wild beasts. History of Roman Britain ending AD 427

First Edition. THE AUTHOR'S COPY SPECIALLY BOUND. A Highly Important and Unique Copy with 25 Extra Illustrations tipped or pasted in, 6 coloured, 5 full page. SIGNED BY RANKING with the Inscription - "To remain in the family, this correted copy, with new notes and Illustrations." The Notes appear on several pages and are rendered in pencil. Folding lithograph frontispiece folding map, 1 folding engraved map, 6 lithograph and 3 engraved plates plus the 25 extra illustations and engravongs. A large folding handcoloured plate of elephants Quarto, conemporary red straight-grained morocco, the spine exquisitely designed with wide raised bands gilt rolled, the compartments decorated with in both gilt and blind, two compartments lettered, one being the declaration that this is the author's copy, covers bordered with triple gilt rules surrounding an inner panel gilt decorated and ruled, the corners with elaborately tooled decorations in gilt, an inner diamond and roll tooled border in blind, inner gilt dentelles, original dark green endleaves, all edges gilt, a superb binding accomplished for the author. xiv, 516 pp. A very handsome copy in a beautifully designed and unique contemporary binding, the binding tight and strong and beautifully preserved, there is a very faint old stain from damp affecting the lower portion of the pages, but this remains a quite extraordinary copy nevertheless. UNIQUE FIRST EDITION, SPECIALLY BOUND, THE AUTHOR'S OWN COPY WITH HIS INSCRIPTIONS AS TO OWNERSHIP AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION. Ranking's wide-ranging work generally returns to the author's interest in Asiatic and African elephants and his "endeavor to trace the historical proofs that the fossil bones of elephants and wild beasts, which have been found throughout Europe, are the remains of those animals which have been employed in the wars, religious ceremonies and amphitheatrical sports of the Romans and the Mongols" (Preface). The book examines the historical roots of fossil remains found in Siberia and other countries, arguing that these remains belong to elephants and other animals used in the wars, religious ceremonies, and amphitheatrical sports of the Romans and Mongols. The author traces the evidence from historical sources, including accounts from Marco Polo and other travelers, to prove that the number of elephants employed by these empires far exceeded previous estimates. The book also explores the broader context of elephant usage in ancient times, from their role in warfare to their significance in cultural and religious practices. Ultimately, this book sheds light on the interconnectedness of human history and the natural world, providing insights into the complex relationships between humans, animals, and the environment. The volume, full of "much amusing and instructive matter, industriously accumulated and detailed with conciseness and perspicuity" (American Quarterly Review, March 1827), includes chapters on the lives of the Grand Khans and of Tamerlane, the "Employment of Elephants from the earliest times," "Fossil Remains of Elephants," "Of Roman and Greek Wars in which Elephants were employed," "Sports and Combats in the Circus and Amphitheatre". Illustrated with a large folding map (measuring approximately 17-1/2 by 21 inches unfolded), "The Continent of Asia as conquered and governed by Genghis Kahn and to the Death of Tamerlane," and with ten engraved plates: these include "The Emperor Kublai" a spectacular depiction of "The Emperor Kublai" going to war in a pavilion borne atop four elephants.; three numismatic plates depicting coins and medals from Roman Britain; the "Defeat of Hannibal by Scripio at Zama," portraying a battle with armies, cavalry and elephants; views of the "Amphitheatre of Claudius" and a "Circus" with numerous elephants, giraffes and lions; and a folding map of Hannibal's storied campaign over the Alps "with large armies and numerous Elephants". Presentation Inscription and Ownership signification to the titl. …