Visit to the Monasteries in the Levant, by Robert Curzon, published by George P. Putman New York and London 1849 - First edition.
In 1833, Robert Curzon (1810-1873), an English traveler, diplomat and noted book collector, went on a tour of the Middle East through Greece and Egypt. In his book he describes mainly his visits to various monasteries in Egypt, the Holy Land and Mount Athos in Greece, which he made between 1833 and 1837. Robert documents the architectural structure, religious art and life of the monks residing there. He also delves into the history of the church, monasticism and the Byzantine art he encountered. On his journey he amassed a large collection of precious manuscripts. The book became very popular and by 1881 it had been through six editions. His visits to the monasteries in the East are of great importance, and it was they that led to the acquisition of the Nitrian manuscripts collection by the British Museum. Something for which he received much criticism from those arguing it would have been better if he had left the precious manuscripts in their place.
The book is accompanied by engraved wood plates of people from the East in their traditional clothing.
XXIII, 390 pages. + 11 woodcut plates, and illustrations within the body of the text. Stains on the book pages. Stains on the cover. Moderate condition.
